CHANGING MARKET PLACE

The character of the market place in the 19th century was therefore rather different to today. It was more likely defined by the presence of trades premises, inns and light industry. There has been long-standing infilling of the northern section of the market place; much of it light industrial, but also including an inn (The Bell). The map (and photographic evidence) suggest a rather informal and unattractive appearance. The construction of a war memorial in the 1920s replaced a wheelwright’s shop and in so doing most likely changed the character of this area substantially.

The closure of the Bell Inn and it’s eventual replacement with the Village Hall, probably underscored this area’s change. However, the light-industrial character of this infilling persisted throughout the 20th century where the area was latterly occupied by a motor repair garage.

After the closure of this business there were proposals to “green” the space, but they amounted to nothing and further residential development was permitted.