Bakewell Show Home Page » History

History

This section contains a very brief history of the Bakewell Show. 

Over almost two centuries the face of farming has changed beyond recognition, Bakewell Show - known as The Little Royal - has gone from strength to strength, building a well-deserved reputation as the friendliest show in Britain. Organised by Bakewell Agricultural and Horticultural Society, which has its roots in that first meeting of farmers and landowners, Bakewell Show is one of the oldest agricultural shows in the UK.

It has battled through a number of crises, from facing financial ruin in 1909 when the Dukes of Rutland and Devonshire agreed to underwrite the event 'for the foreseeable future', to the most recent foot-and-mouth outbreak during which it was one of the few shows to go ahead - without animals.

Over the years it has evolved from a strictly agricultural event, where local farmers would vie with the gentry for championship titles, to a show which reflects the diversity of farming and the countryside today.

For a more comprehensive history of the Bakewell Show we suggest the "Book of the Bakewell Show" by Linda Robbins and Lesley Draper available on this website. 

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