New crew members went through an initiation process of being shaved at the Three Jolly Wheelers public house in Chigwell.

1858. The Maypole, Barkingside and the Bald Hind, Chigwell allowed booths to be erected on their land for a small charge. Boats still travelled from the East End along with many other vehicles while thousands assembled to watch from the roadsides. Joseph Pates died 19th February in his 80th year. He was the baker from Great Ilford who supplied bread rolls to the Fairlop Boats for nearly 50 years. Edwin Morris was fined two pounds plus expenses for ill-treating his donkeys.

Thimble-riggers were driven from the fair because they cheated unsuspecting members of the public with games like 'Prick in the Garter'. George Smith was taken to magistrates for operating a gaming table and was sent to gaol for 7 days under the vagrant act.

Henry Smith was robbed of a silver watch valued £2 at Fairlop Fair for which James Mahoney was arrested for stealing.

1859. "Ignorance of the Law is no excuse" is a common saying, however at Ilford Special Sessions this does not appear to have been the case. Several traders appeared before the bench charged with selling large quantities of beer, brandy, gin and other drinks at Fairlop Fair. The defendants should have been given severe penalties for not having proper licenses, but as many of them were ignorant of the law in such matters, magistrates let them off with small fines.

1861. Heavy showers fell throughout Fairlop Friday morning, but bright afternoon sun saved the day from being a washout. The two boats were met by the usual cheers from thousands of fair-goers.