1: The Market Cross

The original cross was probably erected in the late 13th century and was of the shaft-on-steps type. Documentary evidence suggests that the Elizabethan cross took the form of a small rectangular market hall, open at the ground floor with a room above. When this was burnt down in the fire of 1615, the townsmen erected the present building between 1617-1618. Its pillars and beams are carved in crude relief with tops, spindles, spoons and skewers, emblems of woodturning which was Wymondham’s primary industry for many centuries.

According to tradition it was once used for meetings of the market court, the octagonal upper storey acted as a reading room from c.1870-1912. It has also been used for parish council meetings and as a library. Today it is the home of Wymondham Tourist Information Centre.

You can go up during open hours and have a look at the Market Place through the diamond pane windows, read about its history and enjoy a VR experience.

WALK >> explore the Market Place