In West Devon we are home to a number of thriving market towns such as Tavistock, Hatherleigh, Chagford and Okehampton; brimming with a wide range of wares to suit any type of shopper.
To have been dubbed an official ‘market town,’ these locations would have once obtained a Middle Ages ‘Market Right’ or ‘Market Charter,’ usually granted by the Sovereign, that distinguished it from a regular village or city. In fact, Tavistock’s popular Pannier Market was granted a Royal Charter from King Henry I himself in 1105 due to its flourishing wool trade and has survived without a break for over 900 years since.
Throughout history, the primary purpose of market towns in England would have been the provision of goods and services to the local population. Many of West Devon’s bustling market towns originally began as centres for trading produce derived from the land, including wool, livestock and fruit and vegetables.
Particularly popular across Devon, as in the example at Tavistock, the distinctive ‘Pannier Market’ is a form of indoor market that takes its name from the panniers once used to carry goods to market on the back of pack animals. The word ‘pannier’ derives from the French meaning 'basket', so ‘pannier market’ literally means ‘basket market’ – and, in Devon, it has become a well-used term for a fruit and vegetable market.
Fresh local produce, delightful gifts and handmade goods can still be found to this day at any of West Devon’s market towns, alongside a friendly face and service with a smile. As has been the case for hundreds of years, many market stalls sell a range of products inspired by both the stunning local landscape and its ample produce. Alongside the delightful range of stalls touting modern-day, practical wares, you’ll also be sure to find a wealth of bakers, photographers, potters, artists, wood turners, milliners, and the like at these markets, keeping West Devon’s strong manufacturing origins alive.
Tuesday is market day in Hatherleigh, and it’s worth noting that Farmers Markets are held in Tavistock on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. Okehampton hosts their Farmers Markets on the 1st and 3rd Saturday on the month.
List of markets in West Devon:
