The Market Hall pictured was built in 1720 and this is thought to be the oldest known photograph taken around 1870. It consisted of 9 granite columns supporting brick semicircular arches creating a covered market place with a room above which was removed by the time this photo was taken. Originally, a figure of the Prince of Wales who later became King George II (traditionally The Prince of Wales is also the Earl of Chester) stood on the South side (the elevation visible in the photo) carved in Gritstone to commemorate his funding of the building. 

The room above the market was used as a meeting place and was known as “The Booth Hall” or “Courthouse” where the Court of Assizes were held (Later replaced by Crown Courts). It was also referred to as a “Town Hall” and “Public Hall”, so presumably lots of important meetings were held here.

On Saturday 14th May 1737 the building collapsed causing the tragic death of Nine people and injuring many others. The carved figure of the Prince of Wales was broken in two. The building was rebuilt soon afterwards but in 1759 during a session of court “A Great Crash” was heard causing people to rush from the building resulting in several injuries. 

Soon after this in 1760, the upper room was removed but the lower section was retained as a market. In 1883, historian James Hall wrote of the building “…the only ornament being a plume of feathers (the badge of the Prince of Wales) on the cornice above the central pillar on the South Side”. If you look closely at the photo you can see what he is referring to, although the quality of the image isn’t great – It is about 160 years old after all!

The New (and current) Market Hall opened on 30th July 1868 on the corner of Churchyardside and the newly constructed Market Street. The old market building on High Street was demolished soon after but the row of buildings which were attached to it survived until 1872 when they were cleared creating the space that we now know as “The Square”.

Flags are flying in both our Then and Now photos. Today it’s to celebrate the recent coronation of King Charles III, the Great-great-great-great-great-great Grandson of the man who paid for the original building back in 1720!