Pembridge Market Hall
The Market Hall is situated in the Market Square opposite The New Inn. The open sided hall was predated by a Market Cross from the 14th century. A stone from this can be seen at the base of the south west corner of the structure.
The Market Hall was part of a much larger market in medieval times when Pembridge was an important trading post with a second market held in West Street. During this time border disputes between the Marcher Lords and the Welsh princes meant that travelling in the border area was considered too dangerous but Pembridge was seen as a safe place to trade. It thrived as a centre of commerce, especially in wool and cloth.
A dendrochronology survey completed in 2002 dates the Market Hall to between 1502 and 1539. In 2003 an archaeological dig found bones, pottery and clay pipes beneath the floor which showed that people had been eating, drinking and trading there for many centuries and that the earth floor is the original.
The Grade II listed Hall has been restored many times, lately in 2005 and before that in 1927. In 2005 a coin dated 1806 was found, the likely date of a previous restoration. To continue this tradition a pound coin dated 2005 was placed under one of the posts.
Pembridge was granted a Charter for a weekly market and two annual hiring fairs in 1239. At the regular markets farmers and craftsmen sold their produce and wares. The two hiring fairs, when labourers and domestic servants were hired for the year, were the Cowslip Fair on 13th May, and the Woodcock Fair on 11th November. The exchange of a shilling sealed the contract for the year and those hired enjoyed a last day of freedom.
The Cowslip Fair continued until 2000 and was a local bank holiday with school children given the day off. By the 1920s, it was no longer a hiring fair but a day of celebration with a funfair, sports, and street entertainers flocking to Pembridge. It was a highlight of the Pembridge social scene and headmasters William Burnett and James Ayers lamented the high level of absenteeism the following day. The Woodcock Fair continues as a craft fair held each November in St Mary’s Church.
Today the Market Hall is often the scene of celebrations. In the summer The New Inn provides al fresco dining on the picnic tables. On the first Friday in December the Christmas lights are switched on with over 70 Christmas trees illuminating the streets of Pembridge. A Christmas market is held in the Market Hall while Father Christmas visits the New Inn to bestow presents on the excited children eagerly awaiting him. Just before Christmas it is the scene for community carol singing. On Boxing Day Leominster Morris perform a traditional Mummers play and entertain the crowds with music and dancing.
