Markets and Marketplaces of Britain

The market towns of the British Isles were a vital part of rural life, offering farmers and traders the opportunity to bring their produce to sell. Today, many of these traditional market towns still trade once a week, attracting locals and tourists alike to their streets. This book charts the history of markets in the British Isles from the small rural fairs selling harvested crops, to the teeming markets of London's Covent Garden, Smithfield and Camden. The author surveys the historic buildings and sites where these markets took place, and describes how they worked and what they sold. Accompanied throughout by color photographs, Markets and Fairs is a fascinating read for anyone interested in the history of British towns and society.

Anna Hallett was born in the Netherlands, but she has a great love of British history and has lectured and written on historical subjects for many years. She is also the author of Almshouses in the Shire Library. She lives in Lichfield.