Heritage project charts markets' history

Richmond's markets have served the town's residents and visitors for more than 900 years, and now they are being showcased after in-depth research has been carried out.

The project has been overseen by members of the Richmond Swale Valley Community Initiative and Richmond Town Council who have worked alongside local historian Jane Hatcher. A series of five interpretative panels charting the history have been installed in the town's new indoor market.

Started by charters granted by Royalty or nobles in the 11th century, the markets became a pivotal part of Richmond's commercial life in the Middle Ages. During the Elizabethan era, there were more than 1,000 knitters and leather workers in the town selling their wares in the open markets.