History and Heritage

Dewsbury Market is currently undergoing regeneration as part of the Dewsbury Blueprint & information is subject to change. Please check Social Media and Kirklees Council for the latest information & news.

Link: Plans for Dewsbury Market 

• Dewsbury Market hailed as one of the finest in the north was first established in the area in 1318. A Market Charter was granted by King Edward 11 to hold a weekly market at nearby Thornhill. The market then moved to the thriving Dewsbury town centre.

• When a plague swept through the area in 1583 it effectively closed down all trading and the market ceased to operate. In 1740 the market was re- established due to public demand and in 1904 the magnificent Market Hall was built. The traders who previously occupied the area in the town centre Market Place moved towards the fine architecture of the Market Hall. The area was famous as the “Heavy Woollen District” due to the manufacture of quality blanket, coats and military uniform, the street through the Open market area known as Cloth Hall Street reflects this era of history in the area.

• Today the market reflects a combination of the elegance of the Market Hall Grade 11 Listed Building together with a large bright open market part of which is housed beneath a glass roof. Further modernisation which developed in the 1980s and 1990s complement the area resulting in a large thriving market attractive to today’s discerning shopper.

For market opening times and latest info and events, visit us on Facebook: Dewsbury Market