Beaminster Market and Charter Fair is celebrated annually in the town, traditionally a centre for wool and linen near Dorchester and situated in the valley of the River Brit. The Charter Fair has been held in Dorset since 1284 when Edward I, known by the nickname Longshanks, granted a charter to hold a market. The fair is marked by dressing up in old costumes and showing traditional lace-making, basket-weaving and Morris dancing on the main square of the market town.