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The Bletchley Shows
  • The first show in the park was in 1910
  • Over the next 25 years the event grew to include a funfair, athletics competitions, sheep dog trials and show-jumping
  • It became the most memorable event of the year for many Bletchley residents
  • Special trains brought visitors from many miles away
The Bletchley Park Show

Cycle races in front of the cricket pavilion - 1924
By the 1920s the Bletchley Show held in the park every August Bank Holiday had become the highlight of the year. The event eventually became so popular that special trains were run to Bletchley Station. Most local people walked or cycled. Few had cars so there was no problem with car parking.

A major part of the show was the athletics competition held around the cricket pitch, near the pavilion. Most competitors were local athletes, but some runners came from other parts of the country. Dr. Bradbrooke's son is still remembered as a particularly good high-jumper.

In the area behind the houses now lining the entrance road to the park a show jumping ring was set up. There was also a fun fair in the area now occupied by the military vehicles motor pool and the buildings of Milton Keynes College.

Sheep dog trials took place in the fields to the North - where the cryptology trail is now situated.

Amongst other attractions were craft and flower shows, cake baking competitions and tours of the house.

Others remember having fun in the maze sadly removed for the construction of the earliest of the wartime huts.

Mrs Perkins talks about the Bletchley Shows

 
Herbert Samuel Leon | Fanny Leon | The Staff | The Farm | The Calf Club | The Cricket Club | The sale of the estate in 1937
Bletchley Park before the war