The Showmen's Guild was founded as the United Kingdom Van Dwellers Protection Association in 1889 in Salford.
Due to travelling about, the average British Showman has a mix of English, Scottish, Welsh and/or Irish heritage.
In 1917, the Showmen's Guild of Great Britain, as it became known, was recognised as the trade association for the travelling funfair business.
It exists to promote and protect the Showmen's way of life and to preserve the unique cultural heritage of travelling fairs and circuses.
The Guild has a code of rules and also makes representations concerning proposed legislation when appropriate.