His Majesty The King visited Clitheroe Auction Mart today to meet farmers, young farmers and rural organisations and to learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing farming communities across Lancashire and the wider region.

During the visit, His Majesty spent time in the livestock area, where he met local farmers and young farmers including some who farm Duchy of Lancaster land, and viewed a range of rare breed sheep and cattle. Breeds on display included native sheep such as the Lonk, a historic and hardy Lancashire breed, and the Derbyshire Gritstone. The King, who is Patron of the Rare Breed Survival Trust, discussed the importance of rare breeds to sustainable farming, local heritage and rural economies.

His Majesty also toured the cattle pens, speaking with farmers about livestock production, breeding and the realities of farming life today. This included Sarah Whitwell, a Director of Clitheroe Auction Mart attending with her husband Graham, son Thomas (9) and daughter Charlotte (7) of nearby Carter Fold Farm. The King was shown their 7 month old BonnyBar Beef Shorthorn bull, Winston.

Sarah commented, “It’s a lovely honour and privilege to be here. We know he loves rural communities and it was a special moment, especially for the children who we didn’t tell in advance!

“We’re really honoured to meet The King, and he recognises the importance of family farms and rare breeds.“

At the Rural Business Centre, which was established to give farmers convenient access to essential professional services, The King met those providing practical support to the farming community, including land agents, financial advisers and lawyers. He also met members of Lancashire’s rural policing team, who work closely with farmers to protect livestock, equipment and land, and representatives from rural charitable organisations based at the mart, including the Farm Community Network of which the King is a patron.

Also included were Field Nurses, who provide mental health and wellbeing support to farmers and rural workers, Dr Sakthi, Lancashire Director of Public Health, as well as organisers of agricultural shows, who play an important role in bringing farming communities together and promoting rural life.

In the Auction Ring, His Majesty was introduced to Fell pony, Pearl, who is related to Emma, the late Queen’s Fell pony. The visit concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, followed by a short address from Rod Spence, Chairman of Clitheroe Auction Mart, recognising the central role the mart continues to play in supporting farmers and rural businesses.

He commented, “This visit highlights the importance of agriculture to our rural communities, and the shows help to bring town and country together.”

His Majesty King Charles added, “It’s an enormous pleasure to be able to join you at the Auction Mart, when I’m sure you could be doing other things on your farms! The farming sector is vital to the economy.

“I founded the Countryside Fund almost 20 years ago, and I hope it is contributing to some degree to the welfare and adaptability of farmers and to the challenges and complications you have to meet. The field nurses do a wonderful job absorbing the stresses and strains of farming.

“I wish you as successful a coming season as possible, weather permitting!”

On arrival, The King was greeted by the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Mrs Amanda Parker JP before being received by Rod Spence, Chairman of Clitheroe Auction Mart. He then continued a tour of Lancashire.

Background

Livestock trading in Clitheroe dates back to at least 1499, reflecting the town’s long-standing role as a centre for farming and rural commerce. As trade expanded, Clitheroe Auction Mart Co Ltd was established in 1897, creating a permanent livestock market serving the Ribble Valley and the Forest of Bowland. In 1987, the mart moved to its current purpose-built site on Lincoln Way.

Today, the mart remains a vital economic and social hub for farmers and the wider rural community, supporting livestock trading, rare breeds and farming livelihoods, while helping to reduce isolation and sustain rural networks.