September Theme Day: Open Air Market

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The Theme for the first day of September is "Open Air Markets" and there are few towns in England to have an open air market to rival that of Ashton under Lyne.

There has been a market in Ashton for over 700 years. A royal charter to hold a market in Ashton was granted in 1284. For the next 500 years, Ashton market was the focus of the area for miles around. During that time, the area was rural with most people earning their living from the land.

The original market was held in the square around the old market cross (now St Michael's Square at the bottom of Old Cross Street). The Market Hall, seen in the background, was built in 1829, and this large open market place created in front of it. The Market Hall was re-opened in 2008 after being destroyed by fire four years earlier.

The outdoor market is open seven days a week, with the normal stalls being available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The stalls sell a range of things including fruit and vegetables, clothing, fabrics, household items and CDs.

On Tuesdays a Flea Market is held and on Sundays a Table Top sale takes place. On the last Sunday of each month a Farmers' and Producers' Market is held.

Read more about Ashton Market.

See Birds Eye View of this location.

Today's photos are a contribution to the City Daily Photo September Theme Day. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.


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