Ellesmere’s legacy as a distinguished market town spans over 800 years—rooted in medieval privilege and nurtured by community stewardship. At the heart of this tradition is the Ellesmere Town Market Charter, currently held by Ellesmere Town Council and operated on their behalf by Project SY12 CIC at Ellesmere Market Hall.
A Historical Legacy
- Charter Granted in 1221
The right to hold a market in Ellesmere was formally granted in 1221 by King Henry III, through the authority of Lady Joan, wife of Llywelyn the Great. Since then, market day (Tuesdays) has been observed continuously in the town. - Centuries of Celebration
In 2021, Ellesmere marked the 800th anniversary of the Charter with a community street pageant. The event re-enacted the medieval grant, with Lady Joan and Prince Llywelyn at its heart, celebrating the enduring importance of the market to town life.
Market Hall & Project SY12 CIC
The Ellesmere Market Hall is the modern home of the Charter Market. Since 2023, the hall has been managed by Project SY12 CIC, a community interest company, on behalf of Ellesmere Town Council.
- The Tuesday Charter Market continues to trade weekly, directly linked to the historic 1221 grant.
- The hall also hosts additional market days, permanent traders, and community events, keeping the market tradition at the centre of Ellesmere life.
- Improvements to the building, including upgraded lighting and heating, ensure it remains a practical and welcoming home for today’s traders and shoppers.
Why the Charter Matters
The Ellesmere Town Market Charter is more than a medieval document—it remains the legal and cultural foundation of the town’s markets:
- Legal Foundation – securing Ellesmere’s exclusive right to host regular markets.
- Economic Driver – supporting local traders, artisans, and producers.
- Cultural Anchor – providing a gathering place for the community for over 800 years.
- Heritage in Action – linking Ellesmere’s medieval past with its present-day identity as a market town.
Visit Ellesmere Market
Ellesmere Market Hall, Scotland Street, Ellesmere, SY12
Tuesday Charter Market – held weekly since 1221