OVER 700 years ago an event occurred which made Ormskirk the place it is today. Back in 1986, Granada TV weatherman Fred Talbot, famous for his giant floating map at the Albert Dock, Liverpool, stopped by to help the people of West Lancashire celebrate its anniversary.
In 1286 a charter was awarded to the monks of Burscough Abbey to hold a weekly market in Ormskirk. This market tradition has gone on virtually uninterrupted ever since, carving Ormskirk's place in English history and shaping the future development of the town.
King Edward I granted Burscough Priory the charter allowing the canons to hold a weekly market at their Manor of Ormskirk.
The early medieval market was an assembly of people each Thursday who bought, sold and exchanged goods. Live game and poultry were on sale, as well as fish in plentiful supply from Martin Mere. There was little in the way of dairy produce or vegetables, as most people produced their own.
If you could stand the smell from the live animals, the dust on windy days from the unpaved roads and the flies in summer, then a day at the market could be very interesting.
Add to the scene the odd juggler, fiddler or trickster, a glass of ale or mead and a gossip with friends then the market was an ideal place to meet up.
Towards the end of the 15th century, trade began to expand and Ormskirk welcomed the introduction of retail shops, the first of these a draper’s, which was established in 1480. A mercer, a chandler and an apothecary followed shortly after.
During this period of change, the Dissolution of the Monasteries occurred, resulting in the Manor of Ormskirk and the rights and privileges of its market passing into the hands of the earls of Derby in 1536.
Later on market clerks were employed to supervise the market and standard weights and measures were introduced.
Market day was fast becoming a special event in the week however, there were some hardships for the market traders. In 1648, a severe outbreak of the plague caused a petition to be drawn up to stop trading in the town and with surrounding villages. During the Civil War goods were commandeered and soldiers raided supplies.
But over the next few hundred years both the town and market steadily grew in importance and prosperity.
Despite two world wars, the market has gone from strength to strength and in 1986, the people of West Lancashire gathered in the town centre to celebrate their heritage and 700 years of the market.
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