Spotlight on Local History with James Balme
Walking around Warrington town centre today, you could be forgiven for believing that most of the buildings are of modern construction mixed in with 19th-century structures built during the Victorian period and into the early 1900s. But a wander into the old marketplace is like taking a step back into history.
Whilst the majority of the buildings in the Old Market Place are of the late 20th century one building still remains standing as it was when first built in in the year 1561 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. The Barley Mow is recognised as being the oldest pub in the town centre. Located on Old Market Place the pub is recognised as an important timber framed Tudor structure of the highest quality. The Barley Mow was constructed on top of a red sandstone base. In 1975 the building was given Grade II listed protection status meaning that any future work or renovations to the building must adhere strictly to the protection order in place thus preventing any damage to the structure or appearance. Even today the inside of the building still retains its ancient atmosphere and original beams as well as its 17th century wood panelling.
The history of a market being held in Warrington dates back to the 13th century when King Henry III granted a Royal Charter to Sir William Fitz Almeric le Boteler 7th Baron of Warrington on the 20th October 1255 to allow a weekly Wednesday market and an annual three-day fair to take place in the town. But Warrington, then known as ‘Wherington’ was to receive two further charters. In 1277 a new charter allowed for a weekly market on a Friday and a winters fair on the feast of St Andrew. This was followed by a further charter in 1285 giving more freedom to the Baron of Warrington to hold more market days and fairs. Over the coming centuries the markets and fairs held in Warrington became well known attracting many visitors from far and wide. The Barons of Warrington earned a handsome income as the Royal Charters allowed them to collect tolls at both the markets and fairs. But in 1856 John Ireland Blackburne who was the Lord of the Manor at that time sold his rights to collect tolls to the new Warrington Corporation thus ending many centuries of the tolls being collected by the Barons of Warrington.
Its amazing to think that a market has been held in Warrington since 1255AD meaning that the town can celebrate over seven hundred and seventy years of market traders serving the town. Next time you visit Warrington make sure you have a walk into market square to see the magnificent timber-framed Tudor Barley Mow dating back to 1561.
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