Berkhamsted Town Hall There is always a Saturday market, a 'prescriptive' right established in Saxon times and is probably linked with the founding of Berkhamsted as a Saxon Borough (or fortified garrison). The date is unknown but likely to have been in the 10th century. It was the policy of the Saxons that all retail trade should be conducted at markets; and it seems that all Saxon Boroughs had markets. Scant records are available but the the General market, now held on Saturday, was originally held on Sunday. On May 1218 it changed to Monday. About 1800, the Monday market moved to Saturday. This information is found in trade directories which were published irregularly, so no date for the change is known. During the 19th and 20th centuries, specialist markets were held on other weekdays. It was not until the 21st century (French market June 2003) that a Sunday market was again held—the first since 1218. © Ken Sherwood 2004 The Market Fund is a separate charitable trust that is required to donate all its surpluses to Berkhamsted Town Hall Trust. Its offices are at the Town Hall. Registered Charity number 278458. Two trustees are appointed by Berkhamsted Town Council and four trustees by the Town Hall Trust. |
