MEM21901 - Market at Dulverton (Monument)

Summary

The cobbled surface in Union Street has been dated to the 17th century or earlier. It lies close to the heart of the settlement in the area known to be the market.

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Type and Period (4)

Protected Status

Full Description

Dulverton High Street was cobbled throughout its length prior to modern pavement construction. The cobbled surface in Union Street has been dated to the 17th century or earlier. It lies close to the heart of the settlement in the area known to be the market. 17th century earthenware was found above the cobbled surface. [1] A market and three day fair were granted in 1306. Based on 1820 and 1838 maps, it would seem that the town consisted originally of a large open market area in front of the church. This probably reached almost to the river. [2] Medieval attempts to establish Dulverton as a borough led to the establishment of a market. William de Luxborough obtained the grant of a market and fair for Dulverton in 1306. In 1555, the inhabitants of Dulverton made an attempt at self government, and obtained from Queen Mary a new grant of a Saturday market. [4] In 1306, Edward I granted a licence to hold a market each Thursday and an annual fair for three days over the Feast of All Saints. [5] The street plan of Dulverton is consistent with the existence in the medieval period of a large, central market place, stretching, perhaps from the churchyard, down towards the bridge. The market house and shambles are visible on the 1790 map. The Shambles was cleared away early in the 19th century and Fore Street created. [6-7] In 1820, there was reputedly a Shambles in Fore Street, as well as a Market House and Butter Cross. [8] In 1760, it was agreed that a Market House would be built to replace the Shambles, but it was another 100 years before they were demolished. [9]

Sources/Archives (10)

  • <1> Report: Juleff, G.. 1997. Dulverton High Street Archaeological Watching Brief Report. P.6, 9.
  • <2> Monograph: Aston, M. + Leech, R.. 1977. Historic Towns in Somerset. Committee for Rescue Archaeology in Avon, Gloucestershire and Somerset. Survey Number 2. P.42.
  • <3> Archive: Juleff, G.. 1997. Notes, Plans and Photographs of Dulverton High Street Watching Brief. Photographs and sketches of the cobbled surfaces.
  • <4> Report: Green, T., Humphreys, C. + Waterhouse, R.. Woodliving, Dulverton, Somerset: Results of an Archaeological Building Survey and Desk-Based Study. P.5, 6.
  • <5> Monograph: Binding, H. + Bonham-Carter, V.. 1986. Old Dulverton and Around: Dulverton - Bury - Brushford - Exebridge. The Exmoor Press. P.6, 9, 28.
  • <6> Article in monograph: Gathercole, C.. 2003. English Heritage Extensive Urban Survey: An Archaeological Assessment of Dulverton. The Somerset Urban Archaeological Survey. English Heritage. P.7, 8, 10.
  • <7> Map: 1790. Plan of Manor of Dulverton.
  • <8> Unpublished document: Fisher, J.. c.2003. Dulverton Conservation Area Appraisal. p5.
  • <9> Monograph: Dulverton and District Civic Society. 2002. The Book of Dulverton, Brushford, Bury and Exebridge. Halsgrove. P.9, 11, 19, 27.
  • <10> Monograph: Siraut, M.. 2009. Exmoor: The Making of an English Upland. Phillimore & Co. Ltd. 1st Edition. P.63, 77, 82, 94, 120, 121.

External Links (0)

Other Statuses/References

  • Local List Status (Unassessed)
  • National Park: Exmoor National Park

Map

Location

Grid reference SS 914 279 (point) (Estimated from sources)
Map sheet SS92NW
Civil Parish DULVERTON, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (1)

Related Monuments/Buildings (3)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Nov 13 2018 9:14AM

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