1843. There were fewer booths and shows due to new restrictions. Showmen and caterers saw profits tumble. Thimble and pea riggers were sent packing by the police which drew hoots from the crowd. In the afternoon, a man climbing into the waterman's boat fell under the wheels and broke his leg when the horses started moving. He received treatment at London Hospital. The boat caught alight when the crew were burning blue decorative lights. The recently opened Ilford Station allowed many to reach Ilford by train and from there they walked to the forest. There was not a single police charge arising out of "Fairlop Friday." Owing to rain booths and shows could not be removed and remained on the ground until Monday. Nothing was allowed to be sold after Friday, and exhibitions stayed closed. Police working under magistrates' orders would not to allow the sale of refreshments in the forest anymore. Many ended up at pubs instead, The Maypole, Chigwell Row, entertained over 2,000 guests during the day.

1844. Many people stayed away because of the weather but the boats still managed to traverse the muddy roads. A band played "Brave Old Oak" as the boats went over the spot where the oak once stood. Drinking booths were empty which made the job of the police to preserve the peace a lot easier. The Morning Advertiser on Saturday July 6th, 1844 reported: "Yesterday was a "regular Fairlop day: "The forest of Hainault was like a swamp. The donkeys were almost as numerous as the visitors.""

For 20 years William Page and his common law wife Harriet Milward were regular fair-goers from Dagenham. They sold toys on a stall. Worse for drink the pair argued. Milward climbed onto cart, screamed that she wanted to go home and furiously began whipping the horse. Foul-mouthed Page grabbed the horse's head and wished his wife would break her neck. The whip lashed again causing him to let go and the cart sped off. Several onlookers tried to stop the cart. One man managed to hang on to the horse until whip cracked across his arms. Mad with rage the woman paid no heed to the uneven road surface and fell from the speeding vehicle. Neck broken and body mangled, death was instant. Police-sergeant Scott 39K witnessed the whole incident and with help laid the body out on the short grass. Page showed no remorse and refused to help convey his wife to Chigwell to the surgeon. This angered the crowd and only the actions of the policed prevented him getting lynched. The body was moved to a booth, then to the Maypole public house in Barkingside to await a coroner.