2-889-287 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Old Market-House, at Ashburton, Devon, 1850. 'The ancient Market-house...appears to have been erected in the fourteenth century...and the date of the charter as granted in 1310. The building, which is in a dilapidated state, is built principally of timber, the chief part being of oak; it is about 120 feet in length, and consists of two stories, the lower forming throughout its length arches of woodwork, used for the butchers' shambles aid vegetables; the upper one for the corn-market and the clock. It stands in the centre of the town, at the lower end of North-street: the open space in front was formerly used for bull-baiting...from which it is generally denominated the "Bull-ring...A new and commodious market-place being just erected, at the expense of Lord Clinton, the quaint old market will shortly be taken down; and, previous to its demolition, is well worth a visit of all lovers of antiquity'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.