History of the Market

The original re-enactor's market began eleven years ago in a very cold barn called Lains Barn near Wantage in Oxfordshire. One of the tercios of the Sealed Knot used the barn for a banquet and on the Sunday morning a few brave traders would set up and sell to any members who could get there on a cold winter's morning. We were often treated to snow in those days There were often only twelve traders, sometimes fewer.

I knew it was time to leave when the gentlemen of the Oxfordshire Constabulary pointed out that we had single-handedly blocked the roads into Oxford from that direction. The market then moved to a large school, still in the Oxford area. This time we accommodated many more traders and opened the event to traders from other periods. We soon outgrew the school and our search for larger premises began.

We had to stay in Oxford because it offered relatively easy access from all parts of this country and access to a growing band of European re-enactors. All the venues met some of our requirement and then we found Blackbird Leys, a new building with ALL the facilities we need.

I never thought that we would grow so quickly or become so popular. In 1996 we invited museums, historic houses, theatrical costumiers and film companies. All were astounded that there were so many talented historical traders in the country. Today we have over ninety traders and some 4-5,000 visitors. According to reliable sources, we manage to book most of the hotel facilities with our customers and village halls are taken by re-enactment societies for banquets and meetings. We have come a long way from the few intrepid traders who stood in the snow at Lains Barn!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers, who have helped us to grow. I consider it a privilege to be the organiser of the market and to have met and worked with so many talented people. In 2000 we celebrated our 10th aniversary including a free draw with one hundred prizes donated by traders.