This is a small part of the history of the Wilson “Fairground” Family who are one of the Oldest established Fairground Families in Britain. 

I have also placed information about some of my other Fairground Ancestors such as Botton, Gess, Matthews, and my wife’s family the Aires (Ross) Circus Family.

I was also involved in a BBC Documentary some years back called “Family Ties ,A Lions Tale, that traced my G Grandfather Frank Wilson’s Journey through life as an Animal Trainer and Fairground Roundabout Proprietor & Showman. You will see images from this show.

The Channel 4 TV Show “Salvage Squad” was also a part of Frank Wilson’s (Lorenzo The Lion King)story that is included on the site.

Whilst most of the images on this site are from our own family collection I must thank the various contributors for their willingness to share images and information  with myself for this this site so that we may share it with related family and for the future generations.

Thanks to Simon Harris & Kevin Scrivens present owners and restorers of Frank Wilson’s original Walkers machine, this may be seen at “Harris & Scrivens Gallopers” on FB.

Cousin Charlie Merrin & Family Walsall including Aunt Nellie Meakin. Cousin Albert Jones Gt Yarmouth.Aunt Helen O’Neil Worthing. Our Wilson Family at Hoddesdon.Late Aunt Polly Wilson Hampton Court.Cousins in the Botton Family.

I have just recently January 2020 had to remake this site from scratch again so there is a lot more information and images to be attached in the near future.

Please feel free to email me with any questions regarding any of our fairground ancestors.

James Wilson