It was formed by its core members Simon Mayor (mandolin, violin, guitar) and Hilary James (mandobass, vocals).
In the present line up, which has been together since 1997, they are joined by Gerald Garcia (classical guitar) and Richard Collins (mandolin, 5 string banjo).
The Mandolinquents was formed in the aftermath of The Mandolin All Stars (1995–1997) in which Simon Mayor and Hilary James were joined by Maartin Allcock (mandocello) and Chris Leslie (mandolin, violin), both of whom are variously associated with the British folk-rock bands Fairport Convention, Jethro Tull and The Albion Band.
The bluegrass background of Richard Collins adds another dimension with occasional items featuring the 5 string banjo.
He won the UK banjo championship three years in succession and has played with many British Bluegrass bands and touring American artists.