Bingley’s status as a market town dates back to 1212, when King John granted the town a market charter. Initially, the market focused on livestock trading, particularly sheep and cattle, gradually expanding to include other goods such as fresh produce, textiles, and household items.
1693 saw the granting of a second market charter and the building of the original market hall. In 1753 two further bays and the archway were added to the structure, along with the roof over the butter cross. Throughout the 18th century the market played a key role in the woollen trade, with tools and textiles being sold. The arrival of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in the 19th century facilitated easier transportation and further boosted the market’s success. At this time the market hall stood in the middle of Main Street, closer to All Saints Church.
However, in 1888 both the market hall and butter cross were moved to the Prince of Wales Park, to facilitate a road widening scheme in the town. Here they stood until 1984, when Bingley Civic Trust raised funds to return the monuments to the centre of Bingley, where they stand today.
Bingley still thrives as a market town, the Town Square now playing host to a variety of markets and acting as a hub for the local community.
Bingley has been a market town since 1212, when King John gave his permission for weekly markets to be held. Markets were very important for a town before shops and supermarkets came along. The Butter Cross was built to celebrate the new market and to provide a place for things to be sold. The market began as a place for farmers to sell animals, as well as the crops grown on their farms.
Later, the market became a place for people to sell wool and other materials used by weavers and merchants. Along with these they would sell vegetables, bread, meat and things for the home. In 1693, the larger market hall that you can see here was built.
However, the Butter Cross and Market Hall haven’t always been in this spot ! They started their life closer to All Saints Church, in the middle of what is now Main Street. From there they travelled to the Prince of Wales Park, before being moved here, stone by stone, in 1984.
Bingley still holds regular markets, why not pop along and see what treats you can find there!
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