Royal Agricultural Show

22-26th June 1909: Rain, Royalty and Tragedy

Gloucester's unemployed men were put to work transforming the Oxleaze and Castlemeads. Over 23 kilometres of roads were laid down with 3.5 kilometres of gas and water pipes to serve sheds and tents whose parts alone could fill 540 railway wagons. They even built a special bridge across the Severn. After the 4 day show, it all had to go.

1,146 cattle, 599 horses, 802 sheep, 124 cheeses and hundreds of other entries of all different kinds competed for the gold and silver medals, and a share of the £9,924 prize money on offer. Besides the competitions, visitors were well entertained. Bands played, every country craft from butter making to blacksmithing was demonstrated, and there was even a hot air balloon that ascended daily. There was plenty to eat and drink at the nine bars and restaurants, including fresh milk from the Show's very own working dairy. In fact the organisers had thought of everything from a special motorbus service from the railway station to building temporary post-offices, fire, police and ambulance stations.

The only thing that could not be provided was good weather. The rain poured down. The Royal Agricultural Show had been held in Gloucester once before in 1853. It rained then too. Thankfully the sun came out for the highlight of the whole event: the visit of King Edward VII.

Wednesday 23rd June 1909 was the first time a reigning monarch had visited Gloucester since George III. Vast crowds lined the streets to watch the Royal procession, among them 7000 children who had been given time off school for the event. But unfortunately tragedy struck. A young woman spectator was killed by a piece of masonry falling from the Co-op building on the corner of Brunswick Road. Despite this, and the King not winning any prizes for the 12 cows he had in competition, the occasion was hailed as a great success.