Markets

Stalls

Around 700-800 years ago, the right to hold a market was a highly valued privilege granted by the monarch to nobles who enjoyed his favour. Where such markets were held, people travelled from miles around to buy and sell the essentials of everyday life.

A day at the market was just that! The journey to market took 1 third of the day, trading required another 1 third and the weary journey home used up the remaining 1 third of the day. A man was deemed to be able to travel 20 miles in a day and thus it was determined that markets must be at least 6 and 2 thirds miles apart.

The '6 and 2 thirds' miles rule still applies today, it is used as the basis for the protection of market rights. Barking in fact had a market in the middle ages and at various times over the years since, though it was included as a Market Town when a formal list was drawn up in the 1890s.

Towns grew up around the site of regular markets, which were usually held on 1 or 2 days each week, or on special feasts and festivals. Many of today's thriving communities owe their existence to the market in their midst.

Our present market, open weekly Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, is for general goods and was established in 1991. It was greatly expanded in 2001 and now occupies the whole Town Centre pedestrian area.

There are additional market days around the Christmas period and also French and other continental markets come here from time to time by invitation.

Barking Town Centre Market|