Stockport's 15th Century Market

Stockport Market - 750 years since it received it's Charter!

In September 1260, Stockport Market was granted its Market Charter from Prince Edward, Earl of Chester. 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.

The Market Place was also the site used for ancient forms of punishment including the stocks, whipping post, stretch neck and the ?brank?. The ?brank? or ?Scold?s Bridle? was a metal frame placed over the culprit?s head which had a tongue plate with sharp iron pins on the end which went into the mouth and was designed to keep people quiet. Lovely!