In September 1260, Stockport Market was granted its Market Charter; a royal stamp of approval allowing the Lord of the Manor to hold a market every Thursday.
Since then, Stockport has continued this tradition, increasing trading days to include Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and has the distinction of being the only market within Greater Manchester to remain on its original site since medieval times.
Market 750 Audio Tour
Saturday 31 July onwards
Usual museum opening times
Stockport Story Museum, Market Place
Discover the history of Stockport's Market Place with a special audio tour exploring 750 years from the granting of the Market Charter in 1260, the hustle and bustle (and smells!) of a medieval market and the turbulent political meetings of the 1800s.
Call 0161 480 1460
FREE
Stockport: Tales of a Market Town
Until Sunday 27 March 2011
Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm and Sunday 11am - 5pm
Stockport Story Museum, Market Place
Using objects and photographs from the museum's collections, short films and oral histories, this exhibition brings to life 200 years of Stockport Market. Supported by Stockport Local Heritage Library.
Call 0161 480 1924
FREE
Crime and Punishment Exhibition
Friday 10 and Saturday 11 September
12 noon - 1pm and 2pm - 3pm
Stockport Dungeon, Mealhouse Brow
Join Stockport Heritage Trust as they throw open the doors to the dungeon to uncover some skeletons in Stockport Market’s history.
Call 0161 474 4444
FREE
Pablo Fanque’s Animated Circus
Thursday 28 October
1pm - 4pm
Stockport Story Museum, Market Place
The legendary Pablo Fanque returns to Stockport with his Victorian circus. Create your own acrobats, clowns and tightrope walkers to top the bill. Then, watch them wow the crowds by helping them to dance and flip their way around our animated big top.
Suitable for ages 5+ (A Black History Month event)
Call 0161 480 1460
FREE
The History of Stockport Market: 750 Years of Trade and Development
Monday 15 November
7pm - 8.30pm
Stockport Story Museum, Market Place
A special evening talk on the development of Stockport Market Place. The last 750 years will be brought to life using research from the new History of Stockport Market book. There will be tea, coffee and time to chat after the talk.
Suitable for adults. Places are limited, booking advisable. Call 0161 480 1924
FREE
Stockport Market 750 - How Your School Can Get Involved
Schools can also celebrate the Market's landmark anniversary by taking part in a special competition to make a diorama depicting
the market or a market stall from 1260 to 1800.
For competition guidelines and entry forms use the contact details below.
Free Workshop to Schools - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 14 September 2010
We are also holding free workshops for Stockport Schools linking the history of the Market Hall with Design and Technology and Maths (KS2 and 3). Using the original brief, materials and technology available at the time, pupils will come up with their own version of the Market Hall and make a model of their design. Can be delivered in school. Full day workshops are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 14 September.
The best competition and workshop entries will be included in the Stockport: Tales of a Market Town exhibition taking place at
Stockport Story Museum from Saturday 31 July until Sunday 27 March 2011.
A teacher's exhibition resource pack is available for use in the museum.
To book a session or for further information, call 0161 488 4286 or email: amanda.phillipson@stockport.gov.uk
Family Fun Day
Friday 25 February 2011
1pm - 3pm
Stockport Story Museum, Market Place
Drop in and take part in a selection of activities based around the market, including a construction challenge, object handling and dressing up.
Suitable for all ages. Call 0161 480 1460
FREE
Stockport Market 750 Book - 'From Castle to Covered Market'
A souvenir book which documents the history of Stockport Market is now available, priced £9.95. It tells the story of Stockport Maket from the granting of its Charter in 1260 through to present day. The book has been commissioned by Stockport Council and is written by Dr. Peter Arrowsmith. It is illustrated with maps, plans, historic photographs and contemporary views.
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