Monument record 3884/58/1 - Wellingborough Market Place

Wednesday market granted in 1201

In 1201 a grant was obtained by the Abbot of Crowland for a Wednesday market. The market was clearly successful for in 1275-6 Wellingborough was one of seven places within a 12 mile radius of Northampton in which that borough attempted to get the market extinguished due to the competition it posed to Northampton market. The market rights were confirmed in 1307 and 1329-30. In the earlier 16th century Wellingborough is described as a large market of wool and fells (skins). The mid 16th century survey of Chantries mentions the market in the town and suggests it is a good one, while in 1610 Norden wrote that 'The town is distinguished by the name of Wellingborough Forum - of the Market theare'. The 17th century clearly saw a major increase in the fortunes of the town for Morton in 1712 that its 'well-traded Market' had 'been mightily improved within the last Seventy years; as the older inhabitants relate; who also add that it arose out of the Ruins of Higham Ferrers; that as that decayed, this arose' Despite efforts to revive Higham and bring back its corn market, and in spite of Higham being closer to Bedford, a 'Towns of mighty Traffic for Corn', Wellingborough kept the corn market and Higham declined.' In 1849 the market was 'generally well supplied and attended' and it has continued to thrive to the present day but now being held on a Saturday. (1)
For further details of he market and a discussion of the development of the area see main report. (1)

<1> Foard G, 1999, Northamptonshire Extensive Urban Survey: Wellingborough (Medieval + Post Medieval), (unchecked) (Digital archive). SNN100339.

<2> 1771, Survey of Wellingborough Hatton manor 1771, (unchecked) (Document). SNN100360.

<3> James, W., 1803, Wellingborough Town 1803, (unchecked) (Map). SNN100362.

Record last edited

Oct 11 2017 2:56PM