This year marks 800 years since Ringwood was granted the right to hold a weekly market, a tradition that has shaped the town for eight centuries.
To celebrate this milestone, a community celebration event will take place on Sunday 12 July in Ringwood Market Place, offering residents and visitors the chance to reflect on the town’s rich history as a market town and its continuing role at the heart of the community.
Ringwood’s market dates back to March 1226, when a Royal Charter granted during the reign of King Henry III gave the town permission to hold a weekly Wednesday market, along with two annual fairs. Remarkably, the weekly market has continued ever since.
Located on the River Avon and forming the western gateway to the New Forest, Ringwood has long been connected to agriculture and trade. The market has been central to that identity, adapting over time while remaining a constant presence in the life of the town.
The Town Clerk said:
“For hundreds of years, the market has been at the heart of Ringwood’s community and economy. This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate that heritage, reflect on how the market has evolved, and look ahead to how it can continue to serve the town in the future.”
In 1734, the Market House was built in the Market Place, with goods sold beneath its open arches and the room above used for manorial court meetings. Although the building was removed in 1867, parts of its original stonework were reused and can still be seen today on the corner of High Street and Lynes Lane.
While the traditional annual fairs came to an end shortly before the Second World War, the weekly market has endured. Many residents will also remember the livestock market, which remained a feature of the town until its closure in 1989.
Local clubs, organisations and community groups are encouraged to mark the anniversary in their own way. Ringwood Town Council would be pleased to help promote related activities through its social media channels, and a commemorative logo is available to support anniversary events.
For more information, or to share plans for the celebration, please contact us.
