Changing Face of Norwich
- The Cattle Market
Many of us still remember the old Cattlemarket in the City centre where Castle Mall now stands. Saturdays was always Market Day and the City changed as the farmers took over the city, parked their distinctly county vehicles and invigorated the local hosteries and retal outlets. All of this was much the same in every market town except that Norwich was much bigger, The numbers of animals and poultry filled an area of several acres adjacent to the commercial and retail heart of the City.Times have changed probably for the better but gone is the colour, the noise and the smells of what is now a bygone time. Sad
This is our oldest view of the cattlemarket. St Peter Mancroft does not have its "pepperpots" on its tower which were added in 1895, however it could easily be earlier than that possibly 1885?
Difficult to date this view of Market Avenue but the trees look quite youngand there are no aotomobiles in sight hence it is probably early 20th century.
This is clearly the sheep part of the market possibly still early 20th century but farmers are no followers of fashion seeming to dress in much the same way throughout the decades.
Has the young lad earnt himself some coppers for helping to drove the cattle or does his attire suggest he is a farmers son?
Plenty of ponies and traps with many bowler hats in evidence suggest we are still pre-WWI
Plenty of interest in the sheep but few clues to the date other than the headgear which perhaps suggest 1920s?
This view of across the market to Golden Ball street shows both horse and motor transport (plus a bike). It probably gives us a date around 1920.
Casting an expert eye
Making a mark
The farmers were renowned for always wanting high quality but would drive a hard bargain. The City much apreciated the trade the market brought to the City.
Plenty of lorries and cars with a strong 1950s feel c.1955
Not the Cattlemarket but the closely related Corn Exchange on Exchange Street. The site is now part of Jarrolds store.
