Chesterfield Market

Chesterfield is home to one of the country’s largest open air markets.  The bustling market stalls sell everything from shirts to shoes and from cutlery to carpets.  Visit the market when it is holding one of the many speciality markets and you could be presented with an array of fine produce from all over the world.

As well as visiting the

market, take a tour up the famous ‘Crooked Spire’ of the Parish Church.  No one is quite sure how and why the 228 foot high tower leans 9 feet 5 from its true centre, but enjoy the many extraordinary stories that are told on the tour.  The grounds of the Church were originally home to the market but early in the 1220’s it outgrew this site and moved to its present day location.  

Chesterfield, it seems has always been at the hub of trade routes from all points of the compass, but written records about the market are scarce.  We know it was earning royal revenue as long ago as 1165 when the Sheriff  of Derbyshire recorded an account of £1 2s 7d from the market of Chesterfield.  It was not until 1204 when King John granted the Charter that gave Chesterfield the right to hold a market twice a week.

Three general market days are held every week in Chesterfield on Monday, Friday and Saturday with a flea and antique market every Thursday.  There is also a Farmers’ Market on the Second Thursday of every month.  Throughout the year there are special events centred around the market from Continental Markets to specially themed markets.  Visit Chesterfield in July and see the town transformed back to Medieval times.  See the many stalls, traders in fancy dress, street entertainers, medieval reenactments and visit the fun fair in the town centre.

The ancient Derbyshire tradition of Well Dressing, the art of decorating springs and wells with pictures made of growing things, can also be admired  in Chesterfield.  This custom originally took place in Chesterfield as far back as 1868 and you can see this ancient craft being demonstrated in early September each year. The finished dressing can be viewed at the pump in the Market Place. 

A new addition to the Chesterfield event’s calendar is a four day  Market Festival which is held in October. During these four days the town is host to a programme of entertainment including classical concerts in the ‘Crooked Spire’ Church, lectures and exhibitions in the Festival Marquee in New Square and in addition to the general market there is a speciality market.

Whatever the time of year, there is always a reason to visit Chesterfield. 

For more information on events please contact Chesterfield Tourist Information Centre, Rykneld Square, Chesterfield. S40 1SB.

Tel: 01246 345777/8

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http://www.visitchesterfield.info