The Bideford Pannier Market has been in operation since it was built by John Chudleigh of Exeter in 1883/84. It was-officially opened by the then Mayor G.W Vincent in April 1884. The opening ceremony was followed, by a public dinner when almost 200 people sat down. The day ended with a promenade concert and-later that week 2000 children gathered at the Market for a tea party.
It was built at a cost of £4,200 to house a fish market, butchers stalls and a Corn Exchange. A charter to hold a market was first granted on 25th May 1272 by Henry III, and has been renewed by succeeding Monarchs. The building was listed (Grade 2) in April 1989.
Bideford Pannier Market
It is called a Pannier Market after the Wicker baskets or panniers in which farmers wives carried their wares to market. There are still panniers in use today which can be seen in the Market hall any Tuesday or Saturday.
The present building was controlled by Torridge District Council from 1974 until 1991, when it was then handed to Bideford Town Council to run. There have been 2 phases of refurbishment to date, the first was a spend of £200,000 in 1993 on the Main Market Hall, which saw a new roof fitted, new windows, indoor toilet facilities a gas heating system and complete redecoration.
his enabled the Market to be brought up to standard with the then Current Fire Heath regulations. More recently, between January and May 1999 phase 2 was completed. This was a total refurbishment of the 24 shop units, which form Butchers Row.
An extensive programme of works were carried out by Blights a local Bideford builder. The Architect for both phases was Mr Jonathan Lomas of the firm Dyer Feesey Wickham. This phase included a new roof to Butchers Row, complete rewiring, the three sets of black wrought iron gates were also refurbished and complete redecoration. The character of these units was kept as far as possible, even down to the old Butchers hooks which are still in place in several units, these date from the original build in 1884.
After all these improvements the Market has been able to retain its delightful warm and friendly atmosphere.
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