Pannier Market, Torrington

[1] Before 1842 market traders in Great Torrington had to set up their stalls in the streets while the butchers sold their meat in an open courtyard at the rear of the town hall known as 'the shambles'.

[2] The original Victorian building gradually fell into a state of disrepair during the first half of the 20th-century and the glass roof becoming dangerous was eventually dismantled in 1948.

The two-storey structure has a stucco front with rusticated openings while in the central arch are ornamental iron gates made by a local blacksmith, Richard Baker.

The upper storey has Ionic pilasters while above is a bell-cot with four Tuscan columns supporting a small dome.

Other displays include examples of gloving, blacksmithing, agriculture, printing and the Home Front during World War II.