History of the Market

1384 - The Market Place was partially paved and a pillory built.
1385 - The first Market Cross was erected in the Market Place.

1509 - The Market Cross erected in 1385 was replaced with a new one.
1546 - The town built a large building on the Market for use by the butchers.
1604 - The third Market Cross was erected and the Market was extended to the north.
1650 - The paving of the Market Place was completed.
1729 - A fourth Market Cross was erected, it was circular and supported on pillars. The Pillory was removed.
1792 - There were riots in the Market Place and the gaol was broken open by the mob.
1816 - The stocks opposite the Hospital School were last used.
1819 - The pump was erected in the Market Place to supply water.
1820 - A whole ox was roasted in the Market Place to celebrate the Coronation of George IV.
1836 - The last Market Cross was removed and sold for £55.6.0.
1890 - The Market Pump was removed.
1897 - 21 schools were given dinner in the Market Place to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.
1914 - A brass tablet was placed in the Market Place to mark the site of the Market Cross.
1936 - The Corporation purchased a motor road sweeper for the Market Place for £500.
1950 - One way working was introduced around Theatre Plain, Regent Road (top), King Street and Market Place.
1983 - An historic cannon found near the Armoury, Southtown Road, was placed outside the Fisherman’s Hospital on a replica carriage.
1988 - The Market was pedestrianised.
1994 - A stone tablet was set in the Market Place to mark the site of the Market Pump.
1995 - The official opening ceremony for the pedestrianised Market Place.

For more information on Great Yarmouth Markets, please contact us using the contact details to the right of this page