Garstang Market

The Lancashire town of Garstang has deep roots associated with traditional English markets.

Garstang is the home of one Lancashire’s oldest street markets, boasting of a weekly, outdoor market tradition that can be traced back to the time of King Edward II in the 14th century.

Today, in accordance with tradition, the market is held every Thursday on the High Street in the shadows of Garstang’s most famous landmark, the Market Cross. The Market Cross is located in the centre of town and was erected in 1887 to mark the jubilee of Queen Victoria. Before the Market Cross was constructed, the stocks were kept in this location. These stocks were used as punishment for wrongdoers.

Prior to this, dating back to the establishment of the market, in 1310, the fish stones were set up in this area. The fish stones as a type of display. Fish and other food were laid out on the stones to be sold.

In 1310, the canons of Cockersand obtained a royal charter for the weekly market. However, the right to hold the market fell into abeyance and it wasn’t until the time of the Reformation that Queen Elizabeth legally re-granted Garstang permission for a weekly market. This permission was given “for relief of the poor.” With the authority reinstated to legally hold a market again, Garstang became known as Garstang Market-town as opposed to Garstang Churchtown.

Garstang Market-town is the name from which we draw today’s Garstang. In 1673, Garstang was described as “A good thoroughfare with a market for corn, cattle, yarn and fish on Thursdays.”

Today, over 300 years later, Garstang Market continues to be recognized as a good thoroughfare for a collection of food, clothing, household goods and local produce.

Although there is more than one market held in Garstang, the traditional Thursday market remains in place. This market is held year-round from 8:30 to 15:30. Stalls lining the High Street offer market-goers a wide selection of locally-grown and locally-created goods. Traditional stalls are also set up Wednesday to Saturday in the Market Hall where local cheeses, confectionery, fruits and vegetables and locally reared meats can be purchased.

The Garstang Local Produce Market is held on the first Tuesday of every month on the High Street car park. Here, you can find homemade pies and desserts, jams and preserves as well as fruits and vegetables.

No matter which market you attend in Garstang, you are sure to find a host of locally-produced goods including: cheeses, eggs, milk, yogurts, butter, clotted cream and ice cream. You may also stumble across fresh juice, marmalade, relishes and fruit conserves.

At Garstang markets, you will find a spread of fruits and vegetables including potatoes and olives; as well as a variety of meats such as beef, salt marsh lamb, duck, geese, guinea fowl and pork.

While upholding old traditions, Garstang Market also creates new traditions and provides twists of modernism, such as oriental food stalls and stalls that make authentic Italian breads using locally-grown products.

Garstang Street Market

Garstang Indoor Market

Garstang Street Market

Garstang Outdoor Market