BRAINTREE market is celebrating its long history after getting back to its best during the year.

Following the success of the recent market and Christmas lights switch-on after the pandemic, this is a look back through the history of the town’s market.

In 1199, King John presented to the Bishop of London and Lord of the Manor of Braintree, a charter authorising the holding of a weekly market and an October fair in the town.

This market was first located on the junction of Bank Street, the High Street and what is now known as Little Square.

In the early 1600s the market moved to “newe markett streete” which is now New Street.

The 1800s were the golden age of the market, with farmers and tradesmen meeting weekly.

Wooden animal pens were laid out for the weekly occasion, with trading in cereals, other agricultural produce and equipment.

The marketplace then shifted to its present location during the late 1800s where the cattle market was also held.

The cattle market was torn down in the 1980s with Tesco opening on its site, but the twice weekly market remains.

Braintree Council economic growth boss Tom Cunningham said: “Braintree’s market has a tremendous amount of history dating way back to 1199 when the charter for the weekly market started.

“Residents new and old are familiar with the twice weekly market with many long standing traders who have been trading at the market for over 30 years.

“While there has been a decline in trade over recent years, Braintree Council has worked hard to revitalise the market by introducing monthly street markets with modern stalls and local small businesses.”