A Market Charter was granted to the Baron of Kendal in 1189 by King Richard I, in exchange for 20 silver marks. This was witnessed by the Bishop of Rouen among others. The Charter enabled the Baron to charge people for setting up their stalls on the market.
The "Auld Grey Town" has probably been a centre of trade since the Romans occupied the fort at Watercrook.
By the end of the Sixteenth Century Camden wrote "Kendal is one of the best corn markets in these northern parts".
Until relatively recently, a fish market was held next to a well at the top of Finkle Street. In 1777 a total of 35 different types of fish were recorded as being on sale here. However, salmon were beginning to suffer from netting and the building of weirs and river conservators were appointed. Gradually the fish market declined, although one or two fish stalls still stand on Market Place on Saturdays.
Until 1825 cattle were sold in Highgate in the Summer, when they were brought down from the ancient Beastbanks. Butter, eggs, potatoes, pigs and other produce were sold in the Market Place.
By 1865 money had been raised by public subscription to abolish all fair and market tolls and in 1886 further funds were raised to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Her Late Majesty Queen Victoria by the erection of the Market Hall.
KENDAL MARKET HALL TODAY
Westmorland Shopping Centre, Stricklandgate, Kendal
Tel. 01539 740486
Open Monday to Saturday inclusive - 9.00am to 4.30pm
Kendal Market Hall is still renowned for its "butter ladies"- local traders who sell home grown or home made produce- these traders are permitted to occupy restricted spaces free of charge on Saturdays, although legislation was introduced in the 1970's to enable the Local Authority to charge other traders for stalls or pitches. The Market Hall was expensively refurbished in 1988and its entrance is now housed within the Westmorland Shopping Centre (upper level) with easy access via Market Place or from the adjacent multi storey car park and bus station. There are 18 permanent units, trading six days a week, all fitted out to a high standard. Each day a different selection of traders can be found on the 20 additional "table" stalls throughout the Market Hall.
KENDAL STREET MARKETS
Market Place, Kendal
Stramongate, Kendal
Open every Wednesday and Saturday- 8.00am to 4.30pm
Not far to the South of Kendal, market enthusiasts will find more to delight them at Ulverston.
ULVERSTON MARKETS
MARKET HALL
The traders in this compact market hall pride themselves on friendly, personal service. Most needs are catered for, young and old, staff are happy to advise on further purchases or attractions.
Facilities-
- cafe, light refreshments to a three course meal
- public conveniences-including disabled(radar key)
- public telephones
- easy access for disabled persons
Opening times-Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
9am-5pm throughout the year.
ULVERSTON STREET MARKET
Ulverston has the largest street market in South Lakeland and its Market Charter dates back to 1280. Stalls extend from the picturesque cobbled Market street around three sides of the Market Hall.
If you visit during Carnival Week (early July) or the Charter Festival Fortnight (beginning of September) you may be lucky enough to see some of the stalls specially decorated or traders in period costume.
The Town Crier regularly appears in full costume to announce the events of the day and often a special display or performance such as the local band or Morris Dancers takes place by the Market Cross.
OPENING TIMES
Thursdays and Saturdays 800am - 4.30pm approximately throughout the year.
COACH PARKING FACILITIES
Passengers may be dropped off in front of the Coronation Hall ( famed for its Coffee Mornings on Market Days). Parking at the Leisure Complex includes transport for drivers into the town centre if prior arrangements are made with Furness & Cartmel Tourism - telephone 01229 580742.
2 parking spaces on The Gill.
OTHER LOCAL MARKETS
KIRKBY LONSDALE STREET MARKET Thursday
SEDBERGH OPEN MARKET Wednesday
CONTACTS
Ulverston Market Officer:
Les Parkinson Tel 01229 582183 Office Hours Thursday & Saturdays
24 Hour Answerphone at other times
Public Service Manager: Tony Brocklehurst Tel 01539 733333
Office Hours Mondays - Fridays
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