DR RICHARD Churchley, a well-known local historian, member of our committee and editor of The Feckenham Forester, gave us talk on all the local market towns. He pointed out how old the origins of the towns were, going back to medieval times or even the Roman period.

Richard put them into context by describing their history, function and importance to their outlying communities. Their origins were often based on charters given by the local Lord of the Manor, who saw it as a way of generating income. It was very important that the market towns did not compete with one another but were intertwined with the rural communities, by marketing local produce and so became the pole focus or nerve of the surrounding countryside.

Tewksbury was one of the towns described, as an important market town where the Lord of the Manor designated the markets. Sometimes there are little alleyways in old established towns called “tuers” which led to the site of the goods being sold. Many towns had individual areas for various goods, and, as time went on, various towns became associated with a particular produce. Like Redditch for example, known for its needles, fish hooks and springs.

As well as goods sold, towns had their own fairs or “mop fairs” where labourers could be hired with a market cross in the centre.

Some towns had their own market hall which became covered over time, Alcester being one local example.

Goods had to be sold at certain times and it was useful to have a covered hall to sell butter, cheese etc. Other towns had a Bull Ring, as it was believed that the meat from the cow would be tenderer if it had been “baited”.

Richard concluded his talk by explaining that not all market towns were successful; they were failed towns which did not keep their original premise for whatever reason, like Alvechurch. Birmingham changed its function as a market town into an enormous manufacturing city, although vestiges of its original roots remain, with names like The Bull Ring.