2. The History of the greatYorkshire show
The GreatYorkshire Show was born in October 1837 when a group of
leading agriculturalists, led by the third Earl Spencer, met at the Black
Swan Hotel in Coney Street,York to discuss the future of the farming
industry.
Thus the wheels were set in motion and the firstYorkshire Show was held in
Fulford,York, in 1838. Attendance figures were not recorded until 1842 when the
Show was held inYork.The figure was 6,044. In the early years, in common with
other shows, theYorkshire Show did not have a permanent site and moved to
showgrounds around the county. It was held in all the main centres of population -
no fewer than 30 towns in the three ridings.
11. Visitor Highlights 2014
We are delighted to host a replicaYorkshire Man of Steel sculpture on the President’s Lawn
throughout the show. The 4m high copy is smaller version of the 30 meter landmark sculpture
which will be based in Rotherham, in 2015. It highlights the steel and coal industries of the past
and celebrates the areas transition and advances in the new technology sector of the 21st
Century. The final piece will house an observation deck, education resource and shop.
As part of the ongoing centenary commemorations, the BBC’s WW1 at Home Tour
will be in attendance, also on the President’s Lawn. Their army style marquee
provides the opportunity for visitors to discover their family’s own war-time links,
as well as a mix of hands-on activities, performances and interactive sessions.
