Celebrating 400 years of Stroud’s historic Shambles Market
A new exhibition celebrating 400 years of the Shambles Market is opening in Stroud, shining a spotlight on one of the town’s longest running and best loved features.
The exhibition, organised independently by local artist and long-term Shambles stallholder Kirsty Tallon, explores the rich history of the Shambles Market, from its early beginnings to its role in Stroud today. It showcases photographs, stories and memories that reflect the market’s long-standing connection with the town and its people. Kirsty said:
“We are extremely proud to have been serving our community for such a long time, and we would love to welcome everyone to our showcase of our rich and vibrant history.”
Alongside the exhibition, Stroud District Council is encouraging residents and visitors to continue supporting the Shambles Market itself, which has traded at the heart of the town for four centuries.
Cllr Chloe Turner, Leader of Stroud District Council, said:
“The Shambles Market is a fantastic asset for Stroud and something the town can be proud of. It has evolved over hundreds of years but remains a welcoming, vibrant place that supports local traders and adds real character to the town centre.
“We want to see it continue to thrive for generations to come and I'm looking forward to exploring this celebratory exhibition.”
The Shambles Market takes place every Friday and Saturday throughout the year, (except Good Friday and the weekend between Christmas and New Year). Trading from 9am to 3pm, the market is set in one of the oldest parts of Stroud, on the approach to St Laurence Church.
The outdoor market, run by Stroud District Council, features a wide range of stalls that are predominantly food related, while the indoor stalls, based in the Church Hall, offer crafts, collectables and speciality items. There is a changing mix of traders across the two days, alongside regular stallholders, making it well worth a visit on both Friday and Saturday. Vintage Mary also trades on Mondays.
Many of the businesses trading at the Shambles Market are local and some have been part of the market for decades, contributing to its distinctive character. Unlike the Saturday farmers’ market, which focuses on locally produced and made goods, the Shambles offers a broader mix of products, giving shoppers a wide choice and a complementary offer within the town centre.
The Shambles Market is located on the opposite side of the High Street to the Farmers’ Market, with the two working together to draw people into Stroud.
The Shambles exhibition runs 10am – 4.30pm from Monday 18 – Saturday 30 May at the Yard Gallery, in Withey’s Yard, just off the High Street, with a late viewing on Friday 22 May from 5 – 8pm.
Residents are encouraged to come along, explore the exhibition, support the traders and help keep this historic market a thriving part of Stroud’s future.
More information about the market is available at https://www.shamblesmarketstroud.co.uk
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