The Three Counties Agricultural Society’s roots trace back to the formation of the Hereford Agricultural Society in 1797. Key Society records dating back to 1840 were placed in Worcester Archives Department at The Hive in 2010. The records comprise over 100 boxes and additional loose material. They include meeting minute books from 1840 onwards, agricultural show catalogues dating back to 1901, prize list schedules and many hundreds of show photographs.

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The records provide an invaluable primary source material history of agriculture and rural social life in the three counties, documenting shows attended by farmers, exhibitors, judges and stewards, contractors, suppliers, landowners, stockmen and estate workers and their descendants. They trace the development of farming practices, mechanisation, machinery and equipment, the evolution of livestock breeds, and reflect the changing preoccupations of rural society.

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It is our ambition to catalogue these records in partnership with Worcester Archives Department to make the collection publicly discoverable online from anywhere in the world. We also aim to digitise and commission the creation of a web access portal to allow members of the public to explore our history and the history of the people, places, businesses and livestock herds that have taken part in the annual shows hosted in our three counties.

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Exhibition at Royal Three Counties Show 2028

In June 2028 the Royal Three Counties Show is hosting the World Hereford Conference, an international gathering of Hereford cattle breeders, farmers, and industry experts held every four years. This prestigious event provides an exciting opportunity to showcase and celebrate Society’s history, which tells the story of our local farming and rural communities.

We plan to bring the history of the Royal Three Counties Show to life, using our archive material to celebrate our shared history with the world-renowned Hereford Cattle breed.

We will stage a historic archives exhibition, showcasing artefacts and display materials that afterwards will become permanent features at the showground, celebrating the Show’s heritage. We also plan to create a travelling kit of presentation materials to take out to interested community groups.

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Fundraising for Archives Digitisation Project

We are applying for grant funding to help cover the costs. If your organisation would like to donate or help in any way, such as writing a letter of support for the project, please get in touch.

Register Your Interest

To be kept up to date with project news and opportunities to get involved, please contact our Fundraising Manager, Helen Williams at helen.williams@threecounties.co.uk

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