THE word ‘bazaar’ is not commonly used these days, but ‘Bazaars’ were popular events in Wycombe from Victorian times through to the 1950/60s.

The term ‘bazaar ’is of Persian origin and refers to a marketplace consisting of multiple small stalls or shops.

In the Middle East, they were traditionally located in covered streets which had doors on each end and served as a city’s central marketplace.

TOP: Spectators watch a girl clearing a When ‘Bazaars’ were ‘all the rage’ vaulting horse during a gymnastic display at St Bernards Convent Bazaar held in their grounds off London Road, High Wycombe, July 1957.

SECOND ROW, LEFT: A man in the stocks is surrounded by children during the Tudor Bazaar held in the Schoolroom at the Newland Methodist Church, in Newland St, November 1951.

SECOND ROW, RIGHT: Visitors hoping for a prize at the popular ‘Spinner’ sideshow at the Nursery Rhyme Bazaar held in the Church Hall, Wooburn Town, November 1957.

LEFT: Here we see three girls and a woman making their entry in a competition involving a toy doll during the Christmas Bazaar held at the local parish church in Terriers, November 1957.

ABOVE: A section of the ‘Ye Olden Streete’ Bazaar held in the Abbey Grounds, High Wycombe, July 1892.