The historic show is one of the oldest surviving agricultural shows in England.
In 1853 the decision was taken to take the Annual Meeting away from Bath and to hold it each year in a different town within the Society’s area, combined with a Show of machinery and livestock. The first of these peripatetic Shows was at Taunton, which contributed £200 towards the expenses. This would have been impossible before the construction of a railway network, to bring people, stock and machinery to the Show.
Railways changed the basis of the Society’s operation and so the new era of the Show began.
The first show took place in Taunton in 1852 and then toured the country for more than 100 years before a permanent home was found at Shepton Mallet in 1965. It gained its Royal Patronage in 1977.
The Show is at the heart of the Society and is its core platform to educate and showcase the finest in British Agriculture, Food and Drink and Entertainment.
Royal Bath & West Shows of the past captured on film
For more fascinating insights in the past, present and future head to The Royal Bath & West Society YouTube Channel