History of Woverhampton Market

It is recorded that as long ago as the year 1204 a market was held in the township of "Wulfrun Heantun", the Saxon name by which Wolverhampton was then known. Some 50 years later King Henry III granted a Charter to the Dean of Wolverhampton to hold a weekly market every Wednesday and an Annual Fair on the eve and day of the Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul, and this Charter was later confirmed by King Edward III.

The Middle Ages

From the Middle Ages Wolverhampton has been prominent as a market town, and in those days was a centre of the wool trade. The survival of such names as Blossom Fold, Mitre Fold, Townell Fold, Wheelers Fold, and Woolpack Alley is a continuing reminder of a trade that flourished around the market.

Through the centuries the market has been the town's focal point. A map prepared in the mid-18th century shows some 1,410 houses all grouped around the then existing market in the area now known as Queen Square. Soon after the town's Incorporation as a Borough in 1848, action was taken by the newly-formed Council to meet the demand for a new market hall.

This building was opened in 1853 and for well over a century served the needs of a growing population-not only of Wolverhampton itself, but also of the rapidly developing areas that surrounded the town. As a trading centre it became one of the foremost in the country. Many and varied were the businesses established there, often handed down from father to son, and all contributing to the general success of the undertaking.

The 20th Century

Even before the end of the 1939-45 War the Council were alive to the need for a new market. It was reported in 1944 that the market hall had "passed its useful structural life, and its retention would involve extensive and costly repairs necessitating the closing of the market for a considerable period".

In spite of the post-war difficulties, the Markets Committee pressed forward with their plans to develop the site at Brickkiln Croft. At last, in 1957, the consent of the Minister of Housing and Local Government was obtained and the work began.