Middlesbrough Market Place
This was held in a purpose built square behind the Old Town Hall
The weekly market began in 1840, growing rapidly as Middlesbrough expanded. It was situated in the commercial and geographic centre of the town. Archaeological research indicates the market place was built over older buildings with remains found of an old well and cellar building. It is hoped further research will give more information of what lies below. In its heyday, in the 1890s. the market was very popular with a wide variety of stalls. As well as butchers', fish and fruit and vegetable stalls there were many other attractions. These included a funfair, fortune tellers, medicine men, including a travelling group of the Six Nation Mohawk Tribesmen, who offered teeth pulling and healing, as well as many other side shows. One of the Mohawk Tribesmen, Moses Carpenter, is buried in Linthorpe Cemetery. Food stalls sold tripe, cow heels and pigs' trotters for a penny a dish. As Middlesbrough developed away from the St Hilda's area the market lost its popularity. The last market was held on June 27th 1959.
below is a story from a man who had a market stall.
For now this is the end of the St Hilda's Digital Walk, please make your way back to the Custom House. While you are there please take a walk round the Custom House Garden and listen to the Border Voices recordings.
Page by Catherine McPartland