Market Place 1980s
Stalls spread across the Market Place in the 1980s, and a road running through, before a restoration scheme in 1999.
From the Keith Bird Collection
By the end of the 20th century the Market Place had been covered with asphalt and established as a through-route for traffic coming down High Pavement. This was particularly problematic on Market Day, with shoppers and cars vying for the same space.
Parr’s firearms shop is bottom right. It would soon become Victoria Wine, then the Premier Convenience Store. Bosworth’s butchers shop on the left opened before the First World War, and was a fixture on that corner until 1999. At the rear is Brenda Sanders’ florist shop.
In 1999, English Heritage carried out an extensive restoration scheme for the Market Place, removing the asphalt, blocking off the through-road and re-laying the stone setts.