Market Cross Café Bar

Now restaurant. Early C18, converted late C20. Red brick laid in English bond. Pantiled roof. Grade II listed.

The 1839 map shows clearly the relationship between Ruffles & Gift Shop (a), Market Cross (b) and Leonard Brittan (c).

This image, taken in the late 1890s shows the Maid’s Head on the left.

And the three premises in 2023

2023 Swaffham History Group

HOUSE; Now shop. Late C18, converted to shop mid C19.

South front with doorway to left of shop front formerly leading to first-floor accommodation, now main shop entry.

Grade II listed

In 1845 this building was part of the Maid’s Head Inn next door under its landlord John Watson. By 1871 they were separated and the occupant was William Miles, a glover and hairdresser.

Swaffham born Percy Cross became a trainee hairdresser under Henry Harwood und opened his own hairdressing salon here.

He is noted in the 1921 census as being a hairdresser and in 1939 as a hairdresser and tobacconist. He died suddenly in 1968 and for some time his daughter Lian continued the business.

This longstanding inn was originally named the Queen’s Head from at least 1789 to 1836 but was changed to the Maid’s Head by 1839. The original Maid’s Head was what is now Cranglegate.

The reason for the change of name is not known but may have something to do with the sale of The (original) Maid’s Head in 1828. John Watson is recorded as victualler at the Queen’s Head here in 1830-1836 and then of the Maid’s Head in the same location 1839 until 1851.

The licence for the Maid’s Head was not renewed in 1903, by which time it had closed its doors.

This image, taken in the late 1890s shows the Maid’s Head on the left.

After The Maid’s Head closed, the premises became a private house and the famed Virginia creeper was planted. In 2008? Kay Wells transformed the building into the present café and licensed bar which still retains its sense of heritage.

HOUSE; Now shop. Late C18, converted to shop mid C19.
South front with doorway to left of shop front formerly leading to first-floor accommodation, now main shop entry.
Grade II listed

In 1978 the shop was taken over by Stuart and Lavinia Robinson who kept it as a tobacco shop. From about 1984 it became a fruitery under Norman and Pam Purple and in 1992 the business and premises were bought by Mr Clark.

Several businesses occupied the building from then on, including a bridal shop, a needlework shop, a home furnishers and an Art Gallery.

The current Ruffles & Art Gallery opened in 2023.