Ancient market forces

DOMESDAY BOOK’S ‘CHEAPSIDE’ TO A ‘SHAMBLES’!

LEICESTER Market has been a place of social and cultural importance since the 13th century, when it became the centre for trade in the area. The first mention of it was in 1298 when “a market took place bounded by the city walls and the corn wall”.

The corn wall was used by horse dealers to display the speed of their animals.

Although the first mention was in 1298, it is possible the market is centuries older; the Domesday Book, of 1086, names the marketplace as “Cheapside”.

Cheapside is derived from the Danish word “chepe”, meaning sell: a legacy of language left over from the Norse occupants of Leicester.

In 1589 Queen Elizabeth I mentioned the market in a charter, referring to it as the “Saturday shambles”.

A Wednesday market was also held at the High Cross (in Highcross Street) selling dairy, produce, vegetables and fruit.

In 1884, the Wednesday market was moved to the same location as the “Saturday shambles”, which is where Leicester Market is today.

Gradually, the market became busier and by the 1850s it was held on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It now operates six days a week, closing only on Sundays.

In the early 20th century the market was the largest public space in the city and naturally became a place where people gathered for parades, celebrations, speeches and protests.

Many important political rallies took place here, led by the likes of famous suffragettes Alice Hawkins and Sylvia Pankhurst, as well as civic figure and unemployment rights activist Amos Sheriff.

Both Hawkins and Sheriff are credited with playing major roles in the 100-mile march to London which raised awareness of the plight of the unemployed in 1905.

A paving stone is located in front of the Corn Exchange steps to commemorate this landmark event in Leicester’s history.

A statue of Alice Hawkins was unveiled in February 2018 to mark the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918, the Act that gave all men and some women the right to vote.

Leicester Market’s food hall opened in June 2014, replacing the old 1970s building, which had previously housed the indoor market and other dried goods traders.

The light and airy food hall has won several awards, including Britain’s Best Food Market 2015.

Here you can find a hunk of red Leicester cheese or a Melton Mowbray pork pie, as well as a fine cut of beef or even a shark steak.

The closure of the old food hall led to the creation of New Market Square; an open plaza that hosts specialist markets and events throughout the year including a regular antiques market, a makers craft market and the annual Christmas Market.

Leicester Market is a must see for any visitor to the city and holds a special place in many locals’ hearts.

Words and pictures courtesy of Leicester City Council’s Story of Leicester