IN 1835 a group of local farmers and landowners decided to create the Romsey Market Committee to organise show markets. The first of these was to be a Christmas fatstock market.
Their intention was to raise the quality of animals locally and increase the prices received for them. The first show was planned for December 19, 1835. Money was donated to be used as prizes but the main inducement for farmers to enter their livestock was that, if they won prizes, they would receive a higher price for their animals. The best fat ox won £6 and ten best lambs £5 etc.
Initially the stock had to come from farms within 12 miles of Romsey but in later years stock was allowed from a wider area.
Butchers bid high prices for prize winning livestock and proudly advertised their purchases to their customers.
After the show the judges announced the winners at lunch time and the prizes were awarded at the end of the post-show dinner held that evening. This dinner became an important annual event when the farmers and landowners discussed local agricultural issues, as well as…
