There has been a market in the region of Haverhill for many centuries and probably back into Roman times.
It is mentioned in the Doomsday book, commissioned by William
the Conqueror in 1086, and the strategic positioning of Haverhill by the
Stour and near the main crossing point at Wixoe would have made it an
important gathering place for traders and merchants of all kinds.
It is believed that the town gained its name from the visitors who passed
by and needed their horses fed and watered. A place where oats grow is
called a Haver Hill in old English. This stopping off point on the way
through from Cambridge to Sudbury became a convenient place for traders
to set up their stalls.
All manor of produce would have been traded from livestock
to food and raw cloth.
The market would also have attracted a large number of travellers who
would try and make a living out of juggling or playing the fool.
In the middle ages the market occupied a much larger area than today and
the high street was twice as wide to accommodate all the extra stalls.
This was changed in later times as the town expanded and more buildings
were needed.
The Queens head that lies near the market square is one of the oldest
buildings in Haverhill and its mediaeval roof remains. It probably dates
from the 15th century, when the Saturday market was very active and it
was popular with market traders and visitors alike. As well as the Queens
Head there is mention of other Inns including the Bull, the Bell, the
Crown and the White Lyon.
Haverhill Market operates from 8am to 4pm every Friday and Saturday at the market square next to St Mary’s Church.(Times may vary)
Haverhill market is only a short walk away from the town’s bus station and main car park just off Eringhausen Road. From here a number of side walkways take the visitor up to the high street (which is a pedestrian precinct) and the market can be found next to St Mary’s church.
Although the market was open to all manner of traders it
was not without its own form of quality control and heavy fines could
be handed out to traders who did not obey the laws.
In 1451 a fish seller called Cranford, from Steeple Bumpstead and a peddler
called Fisher from Hundon were fined 12d (5p) for selling fish and sprats
at an excessive price and in 1483 William Wytchbawde was find 3d (1p)
for allowing his dunghill to “lye in the market place amongst the
stalls to the great annoyance of the whole towne”
Fortunately such complications do not exist in today’s market but
the idea of laying out your wares for sale is just the same as it was
a thousand years ago. Indeed markets are not just popular in England but
all over the world. Times change but market traders carry on a tradition
that is one of the oldest in the land.