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Longton indoor market

 

Longton Market on the Strand
Longton Market on the Strand

photos: Phil Rowley


French Renaissance style entrance to Longton Market
French Renaissance style entrance to Longton Market

 

 

Longton had two markets for many decades. The second, known as the Upper, or Union, Market Hall, stood near the former fire station in Commerce Street. Erected in 1794, it was demolished in the 1970s.

Old Court House - formerly Union Market / Town Hall
Old Court House - formerly Union Market / Town Hall

As long ago as 1789 the market in Longton was described as a 'large elegant building' and today, over 200 years on, the same may be said of the current market hall.

Rebuilt in 1844 and again in 1862 - The current market, opened in 1863, had more than 230 stalls and tables for traders selling:

  • dairy produce;
  • fish;
  • meat;
  • groceries; and
  • fruit and vegetables.

This market was then totally refurbished in 1991 but it still retains its Victorian Style. The Town Hall still stands to the front and above the Market Hall.

 


 


Interior of the Market with its high ceiling
Interior of the Market with its high ceiling

Enlarged in 1914, this spacious and popular market hall thoroughly
deserves its reputation for being among the City's finest.

 


"This Market Hall was Erected A.D. 1862"
"This Market Hall was Erected A.D. 1862"

A mosaic panel fills the tympanum beneath the lion-head arch,
while fretted metal ornaments once decorated the towers.

 

Situated in the very centre of the town, Longton Market Hall has six entrances around the building's perimeter and benefits from a nearby large car park plus several other private and council-operated car parks within easy walking distance.

Today Longton Market Hall contains 78 stalls run by independent traders, selling a vast range of goods, produce and services.

Longton Market traders are well known for selling the freshest fruit and vegetables, high-class meat and fish, all with the added benefit that they know and care about the food they sell and will offer guidance on preparing dishes containing their produce.

From the latest fashion trends to shoes, cosmetics and accessories Longton Market caters for all ages and budgets. As well as the traditional goods for you, your family, your pets and home you can also buy a range of disabled products. There are also specialist stalls where you can get a watch or clock repaired or restored, keys cut and items engraved.

 

 

some of the market shops fronting the Strand
some of the market shops fronting the Strand

Shop fronts fill the arches of Longton's Market Hall. Built in 1863 behind the Town Hall,
its design is in the French Renaissance style, restless and individualistic.
A mosaic panel fills the tympanum beneath the lion-head arch,
while fretted metal ornaments once decorated the towers.
Enlarged in 1914, this spacious and popular market hall thoroughly
deserves its reputation for being among the City's finest.

© Copyright Dave Bevis and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

March 2009


contents: 2009 photos