The advent of the market town was a major development in medieval England and indeed, Europe. The legal proclamation that let a particular community set up stalls to sell produce and agricultural wares made way for a social revolution. Whereas rural, agrarian life was the norm for the vast majority of the populace, market towns became a new focal point of activity.
Today in modern England, market towns still abound. Telltale features include a marketplace or square of course, perhaps with a market cross, in addition to wide promenades and close proximity to a castle or fortress, a clear indication of the need for protection in medieval times. Whatever the case, you can easily devise a market town tour of England with a rental car and good map or GPS. Check out some of the most exquisite of the lot.
The historic county of Suffolk in East Anglia is home to some of the most pastoral and idyllic scenery in all of England, particularly in the form of the Coast and Heaths. While the county town of Ipswich merits a visit, make time for the market town of Framlingham as well. Home to under 3,000 people, points of interest include the Church of St. Michael and Framlingham Castle.
Technically a cathedral city, Chichester nonetheless has one of the best exemplars of a market cross left in the country and was a notable transportation hub in medieval England. The West Sussex town of over 20,000 people in beautiful South East England dates back to Roman times and contains a collection of phenomenal heritage landmarks. These include the Chichester cross of course, 11th century Chichester Cathedral, Butter Market and Corn Exchange.
Calderdale is a borough of West Yorkshire that covers a vast swath of postcard rural landscape, with many market towns to explore. Sowerby Bridge illustrates the area’s later emergence as premier industrial hub, despite official status as a market town with less than 10,000 people. Give Calderdale a whirl – despite the iron works and mills, the borough is rife with charm.
Wiltshire county in South West England is close to gems like Dorset, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. From the grand medieval cathedral at Salisbury to country manors, the county is a wonderful destination. Malmesbury is a quaint hilltop town with a beautiful market cross and 7th century Abbey to explore.
Whether or not Colchester was the first official market town in England is perhaps not as important as what makes the community a draw to this day. A wonderful cityscape for one, with a population in excess of 100,000 people, and a location a mere 90 km from London. Points of interest include Colchester Castle and St. John’s Abbey.
Perhaps the most memorable market town name yet, Nailsworth is a superb community in Gloucestershire. Gorgeous scenery is the principal lure here, as the historic town sits in one of the five Cotswolds valleys. The ancient town has some great landmarks, from Beverston Castle and Calcot Manor, to incredible Owlpen Manor and of course, the local farmers market.
Another Gloucestershire jewel of a market town is Painswick. With historic roots in the wool trade, the town of about 2,000 people is adorably diminutive and has a fortuitous perch over the Stroud district. The local Rococo garden and St. Mary’s Church are must-see attractions.
Close to Essex and Suffolk, Cambridgeshire is the notable county home of the University of Cambridge and early Neolithic ruins. With so much to explore, try not to forget the inherent charm of Wisbech. The inland port and market town of 20,000 people lies in the scenic Fenland area and offers many landmarks and monuments. Chief among them are Elgood’s Brewery and Peckover House & Garden.
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