The New Market (Market Place) 1896
by SLHS on
Friday 15 April 2016
Following is a news report from the Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald dated Saturday 27 June 1896 regarding the opening of a new market, situated in what is still known today as Market Place. The Old Market referred to in the report is the one which was held at Coupland Place at the site of the Market Inn.
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A New Market Opened at Somercotes
On Friday afternoon last week, the rapidly increasing village of Somercotes was all a stir in consequence of the opening of the new Market. The proceedings commenced under the presidency of Mr G. C. Towson, Chairman of the directors of the new Market Company --- Mr James Oakes, JP, of Riddings, performed the opening ceremony and in the course of a few remarks, he expressed pleasure at having the privilege of taking part in the interesting proceedings. He spoke of the growth of the locality during the past 40 years, and touched on the great need there had been for a better Market one such as they had assembled to open. He admired the enterprise of the Market Company, and wished the shareholders every success. The Birchwood Colliery Ambulance Band played selections during the evening. Riding horses, swing boats, and other attractions were provided, and hundreds of people visited the new Market. Notwithstanding the fact that the new Market Company has purchased a lease of the market rights, which carry with them the power to collect tolls from all stalls in the locality on Market Day, the tradesmen living near the old market-place are determined to continue the old Market and in order to attract the public they engaged the Somercotes Brass and Reed Band to play for dancing, offered prizes for comic singing, hot balm dumpling eating, greasy pole climbing. They gave to the purchaser in the Market who took the largest family of non-workers (borrowed children being a disqualification) one stone of flour, 7lbs of beef and a large loaf, about 16lbs. consequently the neighbourhood was en fete, and the proceedings were of a lively character.
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