Galloway keeping busy from the Border to the South

Some 30 exhibitors will assemble in the Great Hall, library, dining and other rooms of this historic fortress, built by the powerful Borders family, the Dacres, in 1335 and acquired by the Howards, an equally powerful dynasty, in 1602.

It is now owned and inhabited by Philip and Elizabeth Howard.

The couple do not normally open their home to the public, so fairgoers will enjoy the additional bonus of having a look around the house.

Galloway have been putting together fairs at Naworth castle for nine years and, over the period, there has generally been little turnover of standholders.

However, this latest outing has found room for three newcomers.

Milton J. Holgate, from North Yorkshire, will be there with English period furniture, John Daffern of Harrogate with mainly oak furniture and Jane Kirsopp-Reed from Newcastle with furniture and porcelain.

Then, from August 27 to 30, Galloway move to the south to Wickham in Hampshire.

There they will hold their fourth Rookesbury Park Antiques Fair at Rookesbury Park School, formerly the local manor house and set in 15 acres of beautiful parkland two miles north of Fareham.

Again, some 30 dealers stand and again newcomers are rare.

However, making their debut this time are Books Illustrated from Wiltshire whose speciality is first edition children’s books, De Vries from Lancashire with jewellery, Melody Antiques from Cheshire with furniture and The Age of Exuberance with British drinking glasses, silver and porcelain.

Admission is £4 at each venue.