Hexham's Market: 800 Years of Trade

Hexham has been a market town for nearly eight centuries. In 1239, King Henry III granted the town the right to hold a weekly market and an annual fair — making the Market Place one of the oldest trading sites in Northumberland. That charter, almost 800 years old, still shapes the rhythm of the town today.

The Market Place and its Charter

The original grant gave Hexham a Monday market and a two-day fair on St Luke's Day. Over the centuries the market day shifted to Tuesday, where it remains. Northumberland County Council now runs the Tuesday general market, which operates from 9am to 4pm in the Market Place. Expect fresh Northumbrian seafood, pastries, cheese, fruit and vegetables, and a range of general retail stalls.

The Shambles: A Colonnaded Icon

Standing at the heart of the Market Place is The Shambles, one of the most photographed structures in the North East. Erected in 1766 by Sir Walter Calverley-Blackett, this elegant colonnaded shelter was built to protect traders and their customers from the Northumberland weather. It has nine bays on its long side and three on the short, separated by stone columns.

Originally the word "shambles" referred to a meat market — a row of butchers' stalls. The Grade II* listed structure still shelters stallholders selling fresh fruit and vegetables, plants and free-range eggs, Tuesday through Saturday. It remains one of the best-preserved examples of a traditional market colonnade in northern England.

Hexham Farmers' Market

On the second and fourth Saturday of every month, the Market Place transforms again. Hexham Farmers' Market brings together local producers, smallholders and artisan food makers from across Northumberland and Tynedale. Running from around 9am to 1:30pm, it is a showcase for what the region does best: rare-breed meat, artisan bread, local honey, smoked fish, seasonal vegetables, and handmade preserves.

What You'll Find Today

The Market Place remains the commercial heart of Hexham. Beyond market days, the square is lined with independent shops, cafes, and the entrance to several of the town's oldest lanes. Whether you are after a cut of local beef, a loaf of sourdough, or simply a walk through a piece of living history, Hexham market delivers.