Showmans Burton Living Van - A genuine piece of fairground history

This month, we were delighted to offer for sale this charming showman’s living van. It’s far more than just somewhere to stay—it’s a genuine piece of fairground history, with bygone touches that give it a real sense of age and story.

This van is a Burton-style showman’s living van, most likely dating from the late Victorian period, although it could have been built any time up to the Kaiser War. In its working life it would have been horse-drawn and fitted with wooden wheels. There’s a very similar example in the Fairground Heritage Trust collection at Milford in Devon, which still has its original interior.

This van was damaged by fire while stored in a Birmingham railway yard. Although the internal layout remains largely true to the original design, most of the fittings have been replaced over time, with the French enamel fire surround being a later addition. 

These updates have made the van much better suited to modern use, with bunk beds with proper mattresses, comfy seating for five, and all the necessary mod cons for a comfortable stay.

The van has been well used over the last 20 years behind a steam engine. It’s been a familiar sight at shows and events, including the Great Dorset Steam Fair, where it has spent extended periods—sometimes up to three weeks—set up in the main ring. It has even made the journey across Ireland twice on the Dublin to Cork run.

 Outside, the van presents very well, with tidy paintwork that really stands out. Many of the carvings are thought to be original, and the previous keeper couldn't resist adding gold leaf in place of the usual yellow paint which really elevates the appearance. 

Inside, the space has been thoughtfully arranged to make the most of every inch. There’s a solid fuel stove, a small gas hob, a sink with pumped water, and a fold-down table, along with seating for five and a main bed with a cabin bed below. 

It also benefits from a gas fridge, portable toilet, electric hook-up, LED lighting, a television, and plenty of built-in storage. There’s even a drinks cupboard with fitted glass holders, along with all the usual bits like crockery, cutlery, and cooking equipment all included. The previous owner has kindly included all the 'bits and bobs', so the van is ready to be enjoyed straight away by its new custodian in the coming show season. 

The van weighs just over 2T, making it suitable to tow on a braked trailer with a 3,500 kg gross capacity behind a Land Rover or similar vehicle. The current owner has typically either transported it on a lorry alongside a steam engine, or, for a more economical option, shared a lorry for two engines while towing the van separately. But undoubtedly the best method of transport is to tow the van behind a steam engine – it really is quite a sight!

This showmans living van is a very special space, full of atmosphere and history, just waiting for new memories to be made—quiet evenings by the stove and stories shared with friends long into the night on the show field.

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