250 years ago, just before Christmas in 1774, Oxford’s Covered Market was fully opened for the first time. Established by the Oxford Improvement Act of 1771, The Covered Market was designed to clear untidy, messy and unsavoury stalls off the streets and gather food traders into one ‘covered’ marketplace.

This talk, in celebration of The Covered Market’s 250th anniversary, will explore how the market has evolved over time from a place supplying everyday essentials to today’s thriving shopping and food destination. It will show how the traders and trades of the Market have changed, and how changes in the regulation of the Market have reflected wider change in the ‘Town and Gown’ governance of the city.

The talk will also look at how attitudes towards the Market have evolved over 250 years. Hailed in the 18th century as “universally allowed to exceed every thing of the kind” and now appreciated by residents and visitors as one of Oxford’s heritage assets, the Market was threatened with removal to new premises after the Second World War.

Tickets are available for £5 online or at the Museum Shop (booking fee applies online). It is strongly advised that tickets are booked in advance due to previous demand.

Malcolm Graham is an Oxford local historian who was Head of Oxfordshire Studies with Oxfordshire County Council until he retired in 2008. His interest in the history of the Covered Market goes back over 50 years!

Complimentary tea and coffee will be available to enjoy during the talk. It is recommended that you arrive before the start of the talk if you would like to grab a refreshment.

The Museum of Oxford is delighted to present:

‘Exploring the History of Oxford’s Covered Market’ with Malcolm Graham.

£5