Explore The Past Of The Markets In Beverley And The Region

In the centre and soul of many an English town is its market. So-called ‘market towns’ can be located throughout the length and breadth of the nation and none more so compared to East Yorkshire, in which the market continues to be central towards the growth of its towns.

The histories of Beverley, Driffield, Howden, Pocklington and Market Weighton, to name just a few, are entwined with the enduring presence of vibrant markets.

Through the years, the methods by which people buy and sell goods have evolved and, because of so many available alternatives to customers, it is easy to forget that the traditional market has superb qualities to offer to the shopping experience.

The Love Your Market Campaign has been running again this year, from 14-28 May, and in celebration of this event, the East Riding Archives and Local Studies Service has been delving into its treasure chest of records to unearth some historical snapshots of the traditional way of life.

In addition to medieval charters, which you might expect in the archive, you will also find video footage of Beverley’s Saturday Market in the 1960s, the cattle market, before it closed, as well as a folk song recorded in honour of the local market.

Court case records also reveal the difficulty that some people experienced, for example Mary Hart, a spinster, who in 1740 was discovered to have stolen some cloth while drunk at Bridlington Market and not able to remember anything; and Joseph Wall, from Lincolnshire, who received three month’s hard labour, in 1848, for loitering with intent at the Butter Market, in Beverley.

A map of Yorkshire in 1908 suggests that there were approximately seven official regular markets in Hull and the East Riding, at this point, including one at Hunmanby, whilst corn market returns from 1772 hint that Howden Market was one of the most expensive spot to buy your oats, at two shillings per bushel.

Sam Bartle, collections officer, said:

“There aren’t many towns in this area, where you won’t find a Market Place or a Market Street. Markets are ingrained in our history and our local archives are a helpful reminder of this fact.”