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The Agricultural Hall (1862 - 1943)

 Organisation

Dates

  • Existence: 1862 - 1943
  • Usage: 1862 - 1884
  • Usage: 1884 - 1943

Biography

The Agricultural Hall opened in 1862 in Islington, London. It was built by the Royal Smithfield Club to hold annual exhibitions of livestock, agricultural produce and agricultural implements. In 1884 it was renamed the Royal Agricultural Hall.

The Hall held the Royal Smithfield Club's Smithfield Show from its inception until 1938, when the show had grown so big that it had to be moved to Olympia. It was also the venue for the first ever Crufts dog show in 1891 and hosted the Royal Tournament from 1880 until it also became too large and had to be moved to Olympia in the early 20th century.

During the Second World War, the hall was requisitioned by the Government, and served as a parcel depot sorting office from 1943. After the war the Hall was abandoned for decades until businessman Sam Morris bought it in 1986 to convert it into a modern exhibition venue and conference centre called The Business Design Centre. The Business Design Centre continues operating today and it’s a Grade II listed building.

Found in 10 Collections and/or Records:

Bill Barnes Collection

 Fonds
Reference code: NFA0172
Scope and Contents

Programmes, posters and photographs mainly related to the Poole family's travelling Myriorama show.

Dates: 1881 - 2017
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive

Christmas Fair and Bazaar Programme, 27 December 1873

 Item — Box John Barmwell Taylor Box 1: Series 178T1
Reference code: 178T1.166
Scope and Contents

Mander's Huge Collection of Wild Beasts at Royal Agricultural Hall. Royal Agricultural Hall, Christmas Fair & Bazaar, Including Mander's Huge Collection of Wild Beasts. Printed by G. Tarrant and Co., (late Smith and Tarrant), 70 Liverpool Road, 4pp.

Dates: 27 December 1873
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / John Bramwell Taylor Collection / Handbills / Royal Agricultural Hall Islington Handbills

Crecraft’s Exhibition Handbill, c1874

 Item — Box John Barmwell Taylor Box 2: Series 178T1
Reference code: 178T1.247
Scope and Contents

The Original Mr and Mrs Tommy Dodd at the Agricultural Hall, London. “The King and Queen of the Lilliputians”. Printed by Alfred Ballard, Steam Printer, Cannon Street Road, E, London.

Dates: c1874
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / John Bramwell Taylor Collection / Handbills / Exhibition and Entertainments Handbills

Exhibition and Entertainments Handbills, c1790 - 1939

 Sub-Series — Box John Barmwell Taylor Box 2: Series 178T1
Reference code: 178T1.236-342
Scope and Contents

Handbills for travelling shows, fairs, exhibitions and performances at a wide range of venues.

Dates: c1790 - 1939
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / John Bramwell Taylor Collection / Handbills

Great Christmas Fete Handbill, 1874 - 1875

 Item — Box John Barmwell Taylor Box 3: Series 178T1
Reference code: 178T1.303
Scope and Contents

Games, attractions, bazaars and sideshows at Royal Agricultural Hall, ‘the greatest combination of exhibitions ever brought together under one roof’, 4pp. Printed by G. Tarrant & Co., 70 Liverpool Road, Islington, N.

Dates: 1874 - 1875
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / John Bramwell Taylor Collection / Handbills / Exhibition and Entertainments Handbills

Handbills, c1786 - 1968

 Series — Box John Barmwell Taylor Box 1: Series 178T1
Reference code: 178T1
Scope and Contents

Handbills for travelling shows, fairs, exhibitions and performances in London.

Dates: c1786 - 1968
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / John Bramwell Taylor Collection

John Bramwell Taylor Collection

 Fonds
Reference code: NFA0086
Scope and Contents The collection consists of handbills, programmes and small flyers for shows, fairs, expositions and circus performances in the nineteenth century. The circus material in the Bramwell Taylor Collection was sponsored by the Circus Friends Association of Great Britain and consists of material relating to 19th century touring circuses, individual acts and purpose built hippodromes such as Hengler’s Circus and Astley’s Amphitheatre. Additionally this collection also contains a small amount of...
Dates: c1786 - 2003
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive

Posters, c1880 - 1899

 Series
Reference code: 178R53
Scope and Contents

Poster related to the Poole family film shows, Gompertz's diorama and other early cinema travelling shows and venues.

Dates: c1880 - 1899
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Bill Barnes Collection

Prof. Hamblett Handbill, 1908 - 1911

 Item — Box John Barmwell Taylor Box 2: Series 178T1
Reference code: 178T1.271
Scope and Contents

Expert Character Reader direct from the World's Fair at The Royal Agricultural Hall, London. A flyer with 64 personality points.

Dates: 1908 - 1911
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / John Bramwell Taylor Collection / Handbills / Exhibition and Entertainments Handbills

Royal Agricultural Hall Islington Handbills, c1860 - 1889

 Sub-Series — Box John Barmwell Taylor Box 1: Series 178T1
Reference code: 178T1.163-167
Scope and Contents

Handbills for travelling shows, exhibitions and performances at Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington.

Dates: c1860 - 1889
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / John Bramwell Taylor Collection / Handbills

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