Oxford Covered Market celebrates its 250th birthday
The City Council has arranged a party to honour the history and all the people that have been a part of it since it opened in 1774
Oxford’s famous Covered Market is celebrating 250 years of continuous trade today with a party being held to honour the Market's history and all the people that have been a part of it since it opened in 1774.
Records show the Covered Market opened in a way that we could still recognise today, albeit a little bit smaller and with timber stalls.
The Council has chosen to celebrate the milestone in September to coincide with Oxford Preservation Trust’s Open Doors festival. They say, ‘this will allow residents and visitors to experience even more of Oxford’s history in one weekend’.
Sam Mellish is the owner of ‘Next To Nothing’ which is a shop that’s been at The Covered Market for over 40 years. She said: “I’ve been here quite a long time and it’s just a really lovely community to work in, lots of independent businesses and a very busy heart of Oxford.
“Lots of these little market’s don’t exist anymore and I think it’s good that we’ve adapted and managed to stay”
“It is one of the only places really left that can support independent businesses particularly in city centres, so we are very lucky to have it.”
The historic market attracts tourists from all over the globe as it features on some of the city’s tourist walks.
One shopper was visiting from Huntsville, Alabama, USA and he said: “It’s beautiful, I’ve been in sensory overload since I got to Oxford two hours ago.
“I’ve never seen something like this. In the USA it would be more like a flea market and more ragged”.
History of the market
In the 1840s, there was a partial expansion of the market. During this expansion, the market transformed into its current form, and the Market Street entrances were added. The variety of traders also started to change.
Originally thought of as a meat market, throughout the 19th century fruit, vegetables, fish and cheese joined the traders. By the end of the 19th century, cafes, other eateries, and non-food outlets began to emerge.
In more recent years, the market has remained a much-loved part of the city. It survived a post-war proposal to knock it down and move it, and in March 2000 it was listed as grade II.
Whilst celebrations of the milestone birthday are ongoing all year-round, the council have confirmed there will be a smaller ceremonial event to mark the official anniversary date later in the year.