Oxford 2020/21
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Market Street, Oxford, OX1 3DZ
oxford-coveredmarket.co.uk
Centred in the middle of the city and accessed
either from the High Street, Market Street or through
the Golden Cross in Cornmarket Street, Oxford
Covered Market welcomes its visitors with an array
of colours and aromas. The building dates back to
the 1770s and has a long, varied and interesting
heritage. The Covered Market was officially opened
in November 1774 and is still active today. It was
started in response to a general wish to clear ‘untidy,
messy and unsavoury stalls’ from the main streets
of central Oxford. John Gwynn, the architect of
Magdalen Bridge, drew up the plans and designed
the High Street front with its four entrances. In 1772,
the newly formed Market committee, half of whose
members came from the town and half from the
university, accepted an estimate of nine hundred
and sixteen pounds ten shillings, for the building
of 20 butchers’ shops. 20 more soon followed,
and after 1773 meat was allowed to be sold only
inside the market. From this nucleus the market
grew, with stalls for garden produce, pig meat, dairy
products and fish. The market has always been an
attraction for visiting tourists, providing a unique
showcase for the very best in local crafts, food
and drink. The market is proud that the majority of
its businesses are independent, with some going
back generations. With over 40 traders selling food,
gifts, shoes, fashion, flowers and jewellery to name
but a few, Oxford Covered Market forms a unique
one-stop shop. No one coming to Oxford should
miss a visit to this enchanting and quirky market.
With the continued support from local residents,
students and businesses, Oxford Covered Market
looks poised to thrive for many years to come. The
market is open to the public from 8am - 5:30pm
Monday to Saturday and 10am - 4pm on Sundays.
OXFORD COVERED MARKET
