The years from 1500 to 1800 saw the face of Europe continue to change. New ideas and new techniques appeared which challenged the old certainties. The fairground reflected the changing times.

In the 16th century the first pleasure gardens appeared. Bakken in Denmark, which is still in existence, opened in 1583. Italy saw the birth of the Commedia dell’Arte. The 16th century was the time of the great voyages of discovery. In the 17th century puppet and marionette theatres appeared. The magic lantern was a major invention. In the Netherlands art fairs were very popular. The 17th century was the Golden Age for Holland. The Thirty Years War divided continental Europe from 1618 to 1648. In the 18th century travelling menageries were very popular. The first circuses appeared, still housed in permanent buildings. The panorama was a new sensation at the fair. In the 18th century England was at war with France and with Spain.