Pannier Market, Torrington facts for kids
The Pannier Market in Great Torrington, Devon, is a special indoor market. It was built a long time ago, in 1842, during the Victorian era. This market has 12 small shops, six on each side of a narrow, old-fashioned lane. It was given a big update in 1999.
The main building at the front, called the Market House, is very important. It's a "Grade II* listed building," which means it's a historic place protected by Historic England since 1951.
History of the Market
Before 1842, market sellers in Great Torrington had a tough time. They had to set up their stalls right on the streets. Butchers sold meat in an open area behind the town hall, which was called 'the shambles'.
In 1842, people raised nearly £3,000 to build a proper market. This new market had a special hall where fresh farm food, meat, and fish could be sold. A narrow, cobbled lane led to the market hall. Along this lane were 12 small shops, which became the Pannier Market.
The market hall was also used for talks, art shows, dances, and concerts. Later, in 1936, it became the town's public library. The cool iron gates at the market entrance were made by a local blacksmith named Richard Baker. In 1892, a glass roof was added to the market hall.
Over time, the old Victorian building started to wear out. The glass roof became unsafe and was taken down in 1948.
In 1996, Great Torrington received £1,000,000 to help improve the area. In 1999, the whole Market House building was made new again. This big project was called the Genesis Project. It helped create the Great Torrington Heritage Museum next to the market. It also brought a tourist information center, a modern library, and an IT center. The Victorian Pannier Market was rebuilt with new shop fronts and a new glass roof for the market hall.
The Market House Today
The Market House is a "Grade II* listed" building. It faces South Street, with the Pannier Market and market hall behind it. You enter through a narrow, cobbled lane. The building has two floors and a special front design. The beautiful iron gates in the middle arch were made by Richard Baker.
Today, the Market House is home to the Great Torrington Heritage Museum and Archive. This museum has a special room about the First English Civil War. It focuses on the battle that happened in Torrington in 1646.
Other displays show things like:
- How gloves were made
- Blacksmith work
- Farming tools
- Old printing machines
- Life on the Home Front during World War II
You can also see old clothes from the museum's collection. The museum is run by volunteers. It is open most days, and entry is free!
- Mondays: 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- Tuesdays: 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- Wednesdays: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
- Thursdays: 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- Fridays: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
- Saturdays: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Market Services
The Market House building is open every day from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
As you walk towards the market hall, you'll find 12 small shops. These are craft workshops and retail units, making up the Pannier Market. There's also a café. These shops and the café are open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The large market hall at the back holds the weekly General Market. You can find stalls there on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. On Fridays, there's also a special market for bric-à-brac and collectibles. The market hall can also be rented for events.
