Leicester Market facts for kids
Leicester Market is a famous market located in the city of Leicester, England. It sits on Market Place, just south of the clock tower. This market is very old, about 800 years old! It moved to its current spot around 700 years ago. Today, it is known as the largest outdoor covered market in all of Europe.
The market is open from Monday to Saturday, usually from 7 AM to 6 PM. It has more than 270 stalls where you can find many different things. The outdoor market is especially known for selling fresh fruit and vegetables. You can also buy flowers, clothes, used books, small decorative items, and jewellery. There are also some permanent shops that sell clothes, makeup, fabrics, greeting cards, pet products, and even a cafe.
There used to be an indoor market building, built in 1973. It had different levels and sold things like fish, special foods, clothes, sewing supplies, shoes, and sweets. This building was taken down between 2014 and 2015. The area where it stood is now a new public space called New Market Square. The sellers from the old indoor market either moved to the new Food Hall, which opened in 2014, or to stalls in the outdoor market.
Right in the middle of the market, you will see the Leicester Corn Exchange. This building was built in 1850. It was first used as a trading center, but now it is a bar and restaurant. Near the Corn Exchange, there is also a statue of John Manners, 5th Duke of Rutland.
Sometimes, a special Farmers' Market is held nearby on Gallowtree Gate. This market happens once a month, on the last Wednesday. It focuses on selling local and organic products, like meat, fruit, and vegetables from nearby farms.
Market History and Rules
The history of Leicester Market is very interesting. It is protected by a special rule called a Royal Charter. This charter was given over 700 years ago. It means that no other markets are allowed to operate too close to Leicester Market. This rule helps protect the market and its traders.
The Royal Charter says that no other market can be set up within about 6.6 miles of Leicester Market. The City Council, which looks after the market, holds this old charter. In recent years, the Council has started to allow a few other small markets within the city.
See also
In Spanish: Mercado de Leicester para niños
