Few images of the 18th century market remain in existence.

Here we show representations of the Market Cross and two contrasting scenes of the market place itself.

As the 19th century progressed, artists impressions were supplemented by photos. Both give us very clear images of the hustle & bustle of the market place.

It is particularly interesting to note the predominance of taverns in the surrounding area & the ramshackle nature of the market stalls.

In 1938 the buildings straddling the market place would be destroyed.Here we see them in their final years. By 1930 many of them had already been taken over by the City Council to house their administrative offices.

The most poignant pictures of the market place during this period are not of the market stalls but of soldiers gathered here ready to leave for The Front. You cannot help but wonder how many would still be alive at the Armistice Day Celebrations which were also held here.

After WW1 the markets committee had gradually bought up the all the stalls on the market,however, no major changes occurred until 1938 in parallel with the development of the new City Hall. At this time the buildings straddling the market place were destroyed and the weird & wonderful selection of stalls & booths which comprised the market were swept away. They were replaced by the striped tilts, which remain synonomous with the market into the 21st century.

A number of pictures record the changes.In particular George Plunkett took fabulous photos of work in progress!

The only notable change that was made to the market over this period was the 1976 refurbishment which included : the introduction of lock up stalls and covered gangways, resurfacing and the installation of new electrical mains cables.

Big changes by LSI