Such was the fame of Fairlop Fair that Charles Leslie received a commission to produce an oil painting for the Duke of Norfolk. The artist was instructed to include family members in the picture even though they had never been there. The picture now hangs in Arundel Castle.

On 9th May 1840, magistrates met clergy who wanted the Fair limited to one day. Rumours abounded that the fair would be abolished after the present year. Mr. Long Wellesley sent a solicitor to defend his right to hold the fair. At the Ilford Petty Sessions magistrates decided Fairlop Fair could be held on Friday, but opening on Saturday and Sunday was illegal. An act was passed to limit Fairlop Fair to one day.

Mr. Goodchild, from Newgate Market, asked a family member to look after his 12-year-old daughter. The relative took the girl to the fair and asked a stranger in one of the booths to look after her while he went to checked on his horse. Returning he found the stranger and girl had vanished. After searching all night without success he broke the news to the parents. The distraught mother returned and told the police who conducted a search of all the tents in the area. It is unknown if the girl was ever found.