The land was part of the Whipton Barton farm estate, which was itself a tenant farm of the Poltimore Estate, seat of the Bampfylde family, with the Rewe (spelt Rew in some reports) family being tenants of Whipton Barton for over 300 years.

[2] In 1909, the 21 acre plot was sold by auction to a local surveyor, Mr JA Lucas, for £6,000.

[3] Shortly after this sale in 1909, the Bath and West Show was held on the site.

[4][5] In 1911, the Daily Mail Circuit of Britain air race had a leg held on Whipton Barton land, using the 'exhibition fields', where competitors came in to land during the 4th Stage from Bristol to Brighton, with special trains bringing spectators from Exeter to Whipton Bridge Halt railway station as early as 2.30 in the morning.

[2] In 1989, after more than 30 years, the county show moved to its new permanent home at Westpoint Arena at Clyst St Mary.