Medieval market place at Newport (EHER 18803)

Site of the medieval market place at Newport. It may have earlier origins in the Anglo-Saxon period as Newport means a new town with a market. The market operated until the late 19th century.

The name Newport means new town with a market and is Saxon in origin. The market was probably established in Newport because of its location on a major routeway and its role as a royal manor. Its location is uncertain, but it may well have been held on the same site as the later medieval market-place. In 1141-1143 when it was transferred briefly to Saffron Walden, who became the dominant market-centre for the area. The market was triangular in plan and located on the High Street, immediately in front of the church and to the north of the junction with Wicken Road. Infilling of this space had begun by the late medieval period, since 1450 bits of ground and gardens were let out in the market-place as well as stall sites. <1> A fair was granted in 1226/7 and remained an institution until the late 19th century. The market was in abeyance by the 16th century and the market area largely infilled, although the market had revived by the 18th century. The St Leonard's Day (Colt Fair) and Easter Tuesday Fairs were still active into the 18th century, the former was held on Hospital Field at the northern end of the town until 1872. <2>