Borthwick's the Butchers in the Victorian Village
At the end of last month, we announced ‘The Flambards Sale,’ an auction of the extraordinary contents of Cornwall’s most beloved visitor attraction, which sadly closed in November last year.
The auction encompassed all 50 astonishingly detailed shops in the Victorian Village, the similarly remarkable ‘Britain in the Blitz’ installation and the surrounding War Galleries, plus all the supporting historical displays, including the full size Concorde and the Avro Shackleton cockpit.
Since we launched the online catalogue of the Flambards Sale, we have seen an outpouring of sadness on social media, particularly over the loss of the Victorian Village, which is cherished by many, not just here in Cornwall, but also by a wider audience around the world.
Today, we are pleased to announce that a benefactor has stepped forward to buy the entire ‘Victorian Village’ section of the auction. This dramatic turn of events, almost at the 11th hour, will enable Audrey Hale’s unique creation to stay together.
The beloved Victorian Village will be carefully preserved and relocated to a new home in Bishop Auckland near Durham, where it will become part of Kynren – The Storied Lands, the UK’s first live-action historical theme park, ensuring that this extraordinary collection remains together and is brought to life in a spectacular new show at the attraction opening in 2026.
W.C.White's, the extraordinary 'Time Capsule chemists' in the Victorian Village
Lay’s Auctioneers together with Livingstone Leisure, the owners of Flambards, welcome the acquisition, celebrating Kynren’s commitment to ensuring the collection remains intact and thrives as part of an immersive, world-class attraction. However, we acknowledge that many buyers were looking forward to acquiring sections of the village and apologise for any disappointment this may cause.
“While we are thrilled that the Victorian Village has found such a fitting new home, we understand that some collectors and enthusiasts had hoped to purchase individual elements of the collection. We regret any disappointment this may cause, but we remain excited for the future of this extraordinary display,” said David Lay.
The remainder of the Flambards auction, some 840 lots, is proceeding as planned and takes place on March 26th & 27th. This includes ‘Britain in the Blitz’, the War Galleries, Concorde, The Shackleton cockpit and all the other exciting displays. Anticipation continues to build for a highly significant sale.
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Flambards Steam Fire Engine in the Victorian Village
The Britain in the Blitz display recreates a crowded British pub, a bombed out street, shops and more. Equally unforgettable is the full-sized Concorde flight deck and cabin complete with aircrew, the Avro Shackleton cockpit and the many fascinating displays of wartime history full of heartrending stories and important and valuable artefacts.
This will be an extraordinary auction; the quality and quantities of fascinating and valuable, historic items is breathtaking, but it also presents a unique opportunity not just for collectors but members of the public wishing to acquire memorabilia of this most beloved and iconic place.
Over 850 incredible lots. Some of the highlights of the auction include:
Birch, Birch & Co. Georgian III shop & contents NOW SOLD BY PRIVATE TREATY
Including shopfront, shop cabinets, advertising panels, fitted shelves, drawers and toleware produce bins, cannisters, bottles, displays, stands, and all manner of period shop stock. (Note: This is just one of fifty similarly detailed shops in the Victorian Village).
This George III shopfront was originally situated in Angel Court, in the City of London, and was one of 2 shops owned by the Birch family, the other one being in Cornhill. The Cornhill shopfront is now in the Victoria & Albert Museum.
The Historic Shand Mason fire engine and tender from Cliveden NOW SOLD BY PRIVATE TREATY
A 19th century Shand Mason & Co Engineers London horse-drawn fire engine, together with Merryweather & Sons London coal cart in 'Cliveden' livery.
Provenance: The Hon W W Astor, Cliveden, Buckinghamshire.
A World War II period Willys MB Military Jeep
With 9-slot grille, rear canvas tonneau & hoops, spare wheel and spare fuel can in very good, complete condition.
The Willys MB, also known as the Jeep, was a light military utility vehicle and the primary 4-wheel drive vehicle used by the US Army and Allies during WWII.
Estimate £10,000 - 12,000
Dates & Viewing information
As the Victorian Village has been withdrawn from the auction, it will NOT BE ON VIEW during the public viewings. The viewing days will remain the same and will be charged at £10.00 per person. Those who have purchased tickets and no longer wish to view may apply for a full refund by contacting info@flambards.co.uk. All profit from the viewing charges will be donated to St. Julia’s Hospice.
Hourly, timed admission only by scanned £10 pp. pre-purchased entrance ticket via this link
Flambards, Clodgey Lane, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 0QA
The auction will be held globally online and in Lay’s Penzance Salerooms
Wednesday 26th March & Thursday 27th March, 10am start daily
Lay’s Auctioneers, The Penzance Auction House, Alverton, Penzance, Cornwall TR18 4RE
Collections will be by timed appointment from Flambards Theme Park
During the the sale (where practically possible) Fri 28th/Sat 29th/Mon 31st to Fri 4th April: Collections & postage from Flambards for smaller/portable lots (excluding specified large or structural lots)
Mon 7th April to Fri 11th April: Removal of specified large or structural lots
View the Auction Catalogue, register to bid online: www.davidlay.co.uk
More info & media enquiries: mimi@davidlay.co.uk & davidlay@davidlay.co.uk
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