Dates

• Existence: Established c1854 - 1879

Biography

Anderton and Rowland was formed by Albert Haslam, a Sheffield born showman and magician and his son Arthur aka Captain Rowland, in the late 1800s.

They travelled a circus and menagerie, the latter being sold in 1898 to pay of debts, after which Anderton started touring as Fourpawrs circus.

George DeVey joined Anderton and Rowland's in 1894, later marrying Albert's daughter, Martha. He was integral to the development of the rides and transport that saw Anderton and Rowland's develop to become one of the best touring fairs.

Anderton invested in the development of a new novelty, animated pictures and the show became known as 'Anderton and Rowland's Grand Empire Palace. In 1906 a new show front was commissioned from the Orton and Spooner Company, which included a Marenghi organ in the centre, still owned today by the company. There were light bulbs lit up at night that changed colour in time to the music.

Since the 1950s, the firm has continued to expand and the name Anderton and Rowland is now in its fifth generation. It is owned by the De-Vey family and is the biggest fairground operator travelling in Devon and Cornwall.

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