As the 190th Rutland County Show approaches, Rutland residents can learn more about the origins of the annual event and what is in store at the upcoming showcase.

For nearly 200 years the Rutland Agricultural Society has held an annual agricultural show in the county, and on 2 June 2024 will be celebrating its 190th show. 

The 190th Rutland County Show is fast approaching. Image credit: Rutland Showground.

The Rutland Agricultural Society's origins date back to 1788 to the Leicestershire and Rutland Agricultural Society. However, the cause to support and promote farmers and agricultural businesses in Rutland was taken up in the 1830's by Sir Gerard Noel Noel, 2nd Baronet of Welham Grove in Leicestershire and Exton Park in Rutland. 

Sir Gerard Noel Noel became increasingly involved in promoting agricultural improvements, predominantly by supporting the work of his estate steward, Richard Westbrook Baker, who had worked on the Exton estate since 1812. 

Residents, landowners and business owners from across the county look forward to the annual show. Image credit: Nub News.

Baker, was quite a pioneer in the agricultural world as well as founding the Rutland Agricultural Society he instigated the Rutland General Friendly Institution, the Rutland Farmers and Graziers' Club, the Agricultural Hall in Oakham (now Victoria Hall) and the Small Allotment Scheme. Baker also built a brewery at Langham (taken over by Ruddles in the early 20th century), invented the 'Rutland Plough' and was a renowned stock breeder, particularly of Shorthorn cattle.  

With the need to gain stability in cereal and livestock prices, Sir Gerard Noel Noel called a public meeting in September 1831 at The Crown Inn, Oakham whereby a livestock market was established on October 17th of the same year. A further meeting on 7 November 1831 formed the Rutland Agricultural Society as it is today.  

The first Rutland County Show was held on Monday 5 December 1831 at an indoor riding stable in Oakham's Catmos Street, now Rutland County Museum.

The first show was held at Rutland County Museum. Image credit: Nub News.

The first show was attended by 500 people. It was remarked to be more like a Fatstock market where prime animals who have been fattened for market are shown.  The traditional County Show luncheon began at the Crown Hotel in Oakham, now Crown Walk, and was attended by around 200 people.

The show soon outgrew its venue and moved to South Street, Oakham, which is now Oakham fire station and South Street car park. The show then moved again to a 17 acre site in Barleythorpe, but due to the original proposed Oakham bypass, the show moved once again across the road to land adjourning the Stud House. 

In 1965 the government planned to alter the date of the official bank holiday from the first Monday in August to the last Monday in August. The show which had been held for 30 years on August bank holiday decided to move the show date too. 

Live dog, horse and motor displays are hosted at the event. Image credit: Rutland Showground.

The show soon out-grew this site and in 1976 it moved out of Oakham to Burley on the Hill's Court d'Honneur, supported by the goodwill of Mr. Hanbury, who was President that year. In 2003, the show moved into the main Parkland area at Burley on the Hill.    

In the mid 2000's an opportunity arose to sell the land in Oakham, and a deal was struck with Larkfleet homes and Rutland County Council to move the Society along with Oakham Rugby Club and Royce Rangers Football Club to the new show ground positioned north of the Oakham bypass. 

The move to the new Rutland Showground took place in 2014. The first show there saw a huge increase in numbers through the gates as the sun shone and once again many visitors could walk to the new showground from town. In its permanent home the show has gone from strength to strength to the exciting event that is held today.

The annual show offers more than local farm life. Image credit: Rutland Showground.

 It hosts livestock, competitions, heavy horses, bike displays, local charities, the For Rutland tombola, gardening displays and competitions, food, drink and much more.

This year's show promises to be as big and bold as previous years, with fun in store for the whole family, as well as fantastic opportunities for local farmers to connect and collaborate.

After 200 years the aims of the Rutland Agricultural Society still remain the same; to further the cause of agriculture and to promote well-being and efficiency of agriculture and all professions, trade and craft connected to it in the County of Rutland. 

Rutland Showgorund can be found on Showground Way, Oakham, Rutland. Image credit: Nub News.

Rutland County Show will take place on 2 June 2024 at Rutland Showground.