Wickham Square to shut for 48 hours as ancient horse fair returns May 20
Wickham Square and major roads will close for 48 hours starting Tuesday midnight as Wickham Horse Fair revives its 756-year-old tradition. Over 10,000 visitors are expected for the horse trading event that dates back to a royal charter granted by Henry III.
Wickham Square and parts of the A334, A32, and Winchester Road will be completely sealed off for 48 hours when the Wickham Horse Fair begins at noon on May 19. The fair, rooted in a 1269 royal charter from King Henry III, transforms the Hampshire village into a hub for Romany and Traveller communities every May 20—or the following Monday if the 20th falls on a Sunday.
Key Points
- ⏳ Roads shut from 12:00 May 19 until 10:00 May 21
- 🐎 Event draws over 10,000 visitors annually
- ⚠️ Three main roads closed: A334, A32, Winchester Road
The fair’s origins trace back to Roger de Scures, a Norman landowner whose family secured land from William the Conqueror. His descendant later obtained the royal charter from Henry III, establishing the weekly market that evolved into today’s horse fair. Visitors traditionally buy, sell, and parade horses through Wickham Square, with ponies trotted in ceremonial displays that draw crowds from across southern England.
Local authorities have warned drivers to avoid Wickham entirely during the closure window. Hampshire County Council has published three official diversion routes, ranging from 11 to 15 miles. The shortest route guides motorists along School Road and Midlington Road, while the longest winds through Wallington Way and surrounding rural lanes. Emergency services will maintain access through controlled checkpoints at all times.
| Road | Closure Period | Diversion Length |
|---|---|---|
| A334 | May 19 12:00 to May 21 10:00 | 11–15 miles |
| Winchester Road | May 20 all day | Varies by origin |
| Fareham Road | May 20 all day | Varies by origin |
Public transport will also face disruptions. Stagecoach South has rerouted buses through Forest Road and Bishops Wood Road, with a temporary stop placed on the A32 near Wickham Field. Passengers are urged to confirm schedules with operators before traveling, as routes may adjust last minute to accommodate fairground traffic.
📋 By The Numbers
- 756 years — Age of the royal charter granted in 1269
- 1269 — Year Roger de Scures secured the charter from Henry III
- 48 hours — Total road closure duration
While the fair celebrates centuries-old heritage, Wickham’s future remains under debate. The village faces pressure from proposed new developments, including a 50-acre business park approved last month. Residents have called for stronger preservation of Wickham’s historic character amid rapid growth in the region.
💡 Pro Tip
If you must drive near Wickham during the fair, use real-time traffic apps like Waze or Google Maps to avoid last-minute detours. The county’s official diversion routes are optimized for speed but can become congested by midday on May 20 as fairgoers arrive.
For those attending, the fair offers more than horse trading. Traditional music, food stalls, and crafts fill Wickham Square, drawing families and collectors alike. Veteran traders report sales of rare Gypsy Vanner horses reaching £15,000 or more, reflecting the event’s enduring economic significance for the Traveller community.
- 📊 The fair injects over £2 million annually into Hampshire’s rural economy through trade, tourism, and hospitality
- 🔍 Rare horse breeds like the Gypsy Cob are a major draw, with prices ranging from £2,000 to £20,000
- ⚠️ Pickpocketing incidents have risen in past fairs—visitors are advised to keep valuables secure
School Road and Midlington Road will remain open to local residents and emergency vehicles during the closure. Hampshire Police have increased patrols around the diversion routes to manage congestion and respond to incidents promptly. The county has also stationed extra officers at key junctions to prevent unauthorized access to closed roads.
- May 19, 12:00 — Wickham Square and A334 closed
- May 20, 06:00–20:00 — Peak fair activity; roads remain closed
- May 21, 10:00 — Full reopening of all roads and bus routes
Organizers emphasize the fair’s cultural importance, noting that it remains one of the last surviving medieval horse fairs in England. Despite modern pressures, the event continues to uphold traditions passed down through generations, uniting communities in celebration of shared heritage.