A multi-period bring and buy sale for re-enactors and historical enthusiasts* - set up a stall, browse or just visit (preferably in period clothing, although not compulsory!) - all set within Wimpole's estate grounds with restaurant, shops, loos and stall holders' overnight camping. Over 40 stalls and 4000+ visitors, lots of interesting things to browse and buy, and living history displays to enjoy. 

Wimpole Hall, Cambridgeshire SG8 0BW

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April 2009, 11am to 5pm  

Free visitor admission to the bazaar and nearby estate grounds including shops, facilities and restaurant. Admission charge to the hall, rare breeds farm and certain parts of the estate. £2 per car parking charge, National Trust members free parking and admission.  Bring and buy pitch fee applied, please see below.

Organised in conjunction with The National Trust.  Supported by Skirmish Magazine.  Bazaar inquires: 01509 815645. National Trust general enquiries: 01223 206000.

STOP PRESS! Following the resounding success of our bazaars at Wimpole Hall and Rufford, we'll be running both again next year (please revisit for confirmed details in due course). Why not take advantage of these great opportunities to take part in a bring and buy sale for individual re-enactor, historical enthusiasts* and groups - pre-season social weekend -  a chance to sell, swap, barter or give away all that "spare stuff" (pre 1970 vintage or so themed) and/or accumulate more! - historical traders* and living history displays. If you would like to be kept informed, please drop us an email and we'll add you to our mailing list.

On-line booking for stall holders available soon for next year, or simply book in on the day (please check set up times, below). All visitors welcome, particularly if in period clothing.

The Wimpole Hall Grand Historical Bazaar was a fantastic chance for re-enactors and living history enthusiasts of all eras to empty out those cupboards full of spare no longer needed uniforms, weaponry, equipment, antiques, model soldiers & figures, militaria, pictures & prints, postcards, books, DVDs, videos, games and the like - indeed, anything historical or historically themed and sell or swap them with fellow re-enactors (and over 4,000 other visitors) at this picturesque venue with excellent facilities.

Most stall holders came in period kit, set up their stall (mostly with period tent, no car boots - see below!), and much enjoyed this start of season social occasion, naturally enough also browsing the other stalls (and picking up some great bargains!)  Professional historical traders were also most welcome and a pleasing number participated.

Beating out the winter cobwebs: Over the weekend the 44th Foot of the Napoleonic Association presented a number of displays, with a multi-period line up of re-enactors being another highlight.

If you are interested in taking part another time, please see our terms and conditions for participation.

*Please note if you are a trader or car booter (as we have received enquiries from both): This is not a traditional antiques, bric-a brac market or car boot sale. It is primarily orientated towards re-enactors and living history enthusiasts (mainly those who wear period clothing as part of their hobby). Whilst historical traders ie those who professionally or semi-professionally trade in re-enactor and living history-orientated items are warmly invited, general car booters and antique/general professional dealers are not, so as to keep the event within its remit and objectives. Relatively high standards of presentation are required (second nature for most re-enactors) and for instance vehicles will not be permitted to be parked behind stalls. We reserve the right to decline participation by those who we deem inappropriate, and emphasise this here as we do not wish to disappoint anybody on arrival. Thank you. Please see our terms and conditions for participation.

Pitch details

Pitch fees were deliberated extremely modest and affordable. Grass pitches were square, size plus guy lines for a tent. 1 tent per pitch.  Tables (these could be modern style), rugs/cloths and period tents or modern gazebos only, no modern tentage or vehicles (located in the modern camp or parking area) - all to ensure an attractive looking event.  Stall holders mostly wore period clothing or uniform. Maximum of two adults per stall on a 12 foot stall, 3 on a 20 foot stall.

We invited stall holders to set up a period tent as part of/behind their pitch/stall. Modern tents or non-period vehicles weree not permitted on a pitch (non-period vehicles allowed for unloading/loading only). Modern gazebos were however permitted.

We define Traders as the professional or semi-professional stall holders that regularly sell historical or historic-themed goods at historical events. We did not accept bookings from other traders (or caterers) for this event, for example general or antiques dealers.

Visiting magnificent Wimpole Hall

Wimpole Hall is a major National Trust property with its superb Georgian house, forming part of the grandest working estate in Cambridgeshire. It includes extremely attractive parkland and a working rare breeds farm. Facilities include a National Trust shop, farm shop, toyshop, second-hand bookshop, licensed Old Rectory restaurant with children's menu, Stable Kitchen in the stable block and baby changing facilities.

How to get there

The hall is situated on the A603 near the M11, 6 miles North of Royston and 8 miles South West of Cambridge.

From the South: leave the M1(M) at Baldock and take the A505 NW to Royston (keep on the A505, don't enter the town). Take the A1198 N towards Huntingdon and then the A603 going NE towards Cambridge. Wimpole Hall is on the left a little further on.

From the West: Take the A428 East from the A1 at St. Neots.  At the junction with the A1198 towards Royston. Turn left at the junction with the A603 and B1042 and Wimpole Hall is on the left a little further on.

From the East: from the A14/M11 Junction 14 take the M11 South to Junction 12. Wimpole Hall is on the right just after the village of Orwell.

From the North: From M11 Junction 12 take the A603 SW. Wimpole Hall is on the right just after the village of Orwell. OR From the A14 at Godmanchester, adjacent to Huntingdon, take the A1198 SE towards Royston. Turn left at the junction with the A603 and B1042 and Wimpole Hall is on the left a little further on.

Also at Wimpole Hall in 2009 - Muskets and Mayhem, 20-21 June, 11am to 5pm

Wimpole returns to 1649, the unrest of the English Civil War and execution of King Charles I. Top performers from the English Civil War Society bring Wimpole to life as it might have been in this troubled time. Drill with the foot soldiers, visit their encampment, see their daily life and rations, and contrast these with that of their C17th social superiors. Meet Wimpole’s owner of the time, Sir Thomas Chicheley, and discover his plans for his new estate and concerns for the future. Talk with the workers and lower classes as they go about their daily business. Watch radical Levellers as they demand revolutionary political reform and military courtroom drama as they defend their views. See if you can spot the Royalist spy, and finally, cover your ears during a thrilling skirmish between Parliamentarian and Royalist troops. A thoroughly engaging day out for the whole family. Free children’s treasure trail. Themed menu in Old Rectory Restaurant.

Admission price applies, National Trust members free.

Re-enactment groups and other performers interested in taking part in our events are invited to contact us for further details; please click the link for our Standard terms and conditions for participation. 

Other events 2009

Click here for details of many other historical events organised by EventPlan this year.

Updated 28 April 2009