Market Hall, Hanley

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No 66 - Market Hall, Hanley

Market Day, Hanley (c.1908)

Market Square
A busy scene on market day with much of the merchandise contained in baskets.
The building with the blinds was the indoor market.

this view from Upper Market Square looking through Market Square down
into Lamb Street

"This interesting facade is Hanley Market Hall, probably built in the mid-19th century. Many people will be familiar with the indoor market, especially its cockloft displaying a wide range of live poultry and pets. One great event in its history was the introduction of gas lighting on the occasion of Queen Victoria's Jubilee in 1887, but this was short-lived, because, in 1896, the hall was completely wired for electricity; it was one of the first public buildings in the City to boast such a system.

The old Swan Inn that had previously occupied this site was a popular meeting place, and many of the conferences held there played a decisive role in the development of the City. In 1825, under the patronage of the Duke of Sutherland, a few friends met and founded the Potteries Mechanics' Institute. By 1835, membership had increased to such a degree that it was able to subscribe to a building of its own, in Frederick Street, Shelton, now known as Gitana Street, Hanley. The North Staffs. Infirmary had its origins at the Swan when local surgeons and prominent businessmen held a meeting and proposed that a dispensary and ward be founded. It was built in Etruria Vale in 1804 and called the Home of Recovery. The first Petty Sessions in the Potteries were held at the Swan. The first meeting in 1824 swore in 40 townsfolk as Special Constables, who, armed with a truncheon and candle lantern, had the unenviable job of patrolling Hanley and Shelton. From about 1813 the inn was also an important coaching stop.

Market Square, then known as Hanley Green, possessed one of the vital springs for the town. The Square was used for a variety of activities, including the annual August Wakes, which were held there until 1922 when forced to move to a new site in Regent Road.'

Neville Malkin 12th June 1974

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