Discover
Market Place
History
The Italianate style Corn Hall, a Grade II listed building, dates from 1858 and was built by local builder and architect Matthias Goggs.`
On a crossroads in mid-Norfolk with a large agricultural hinterland it should have been successful, but it failed after only six years, partly because of the agricultural depression of the later 19th century, but mostly because of the arrival of the railway in 1847 which took trading from the Marketplace to the railway half a mile away.
At some time on this site once stood a Tollhouse, probably for market fees rather than road tolls.
What It Was Used For
It has served many purposes since then: a Salvation Army citadel; an Armoury; billets for soldiers; a concert room; reading room; a YMCA canteen; a local Job Centre and then a café.
This space was a major part of the original medieval marketplace. It was here where the Elizabethan Market Cross, also known as a butter cross, was located.
This Cross was also a courthouse where petty crimes were judged and miscreants either placed at the nearby whipping post or stocks or sent to the town’s jail.
Do you know Swaffham?
Do you live here, did you live here and do you know of any interesting, historical facts you’d like to share with us.
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