Romsey Local History Society

Romsey Show

 

Romsey Show is one of the oldest surviving agricultural shows in England. It can trace its origins back to 1835 and the Prize Stock Markets held in Romsey at Easter and Christmas From these emerged the Romsey Agricultural Society, founded in 1842, which amalgamated with the Romsey Horse Show Society in 1919 to form the present Romsey Agricultural and Horse Show Society. This Society held its first show in 1919 thereby creating The Romsey Show we know today.

 

Our three-year research project into the evolution of the Show and its parent Societies culminated in September 2012 with the publication of the book “Where Town and Country Meet- the history of the Romsey Show”. The book was officially launched on 8th September 2012 at the Show which was held at its traditional venue in Broadlands Park – a link which can be traced back for over 130 years.  You can buy a copy of the book through our website by following the link or over the counter at Romsey's TIC.

 

Although we have achieved our goal of publishing a book about The Romsey Show, we would still like to hear from people in the wider Test Valley area who may have links with the original Romsey Agricultural Society and the Romsey Horse and Poultry Show. If anyone has any information,– for example if someone in your family was a member of either of the Societies or you have photographs, certificates or stories you would like to share with us – the research team can be found in the basement of the Town Hall every Monday from 10 a.m. – 12 noon. We look forward to hearing from you. Alternatively get in touch through our Contact Us page.