This evocative ‘Dawes Series’ Post card was produced shortly after the Butcher’s Market was enlarged at a cost of £1600 . According to official data, in 2023, this would equate to £242,517.40. The new stalls were of sturdy construction and lasted for over 80 years.
This enabled 39 butchers to display their wares on a Saturday, when the town was full of shoppers, and farmers coming to the market.
A Buttery and Poultry Hall had been added in an extension in 1893at the lower end of the hall, at a cost of £1,000. The doorway can be seen at the far end of this photo. In the 1800’s the Cattle Market was still being held in Fore St. as it had for hundreds of years. However, with the advent of the motor car, this was moved to a site beside the river.
The whole Pannier Market complex was well used until the Cattle Market was moved by the auctioneers, to Hatherleigh. This hit Okehampton badly and the market declined until in the 1990’s when the Town Council rented this lower part of the old Market Hall to a Cinema chain.
The Fire exit onto Market Street is the old entrance to the Buttery and Poultrey Hall where farmer’s wives brought their eggs to market. The Main Market Hall was revamped in the 1970’s and is now The Charter Hall, our main Community hall for Charity Coffee mornings and many other indoor events. It is part of the Town Hall and though not listed, is part of the Conservation area and adjoins the Grade 2 Listed Georgian Town Hall.
By Jan Goffey
