THE MARKET HOUSE,
which, according to an inscription over the northern arch, was erected in 1595, at the expense of the Corporation. It is one of the most spacious and magnificent structures of its kind in the kingdom; is of wrought freestone, and in the fantastic style of the 16th century. The principal front faces the west, and has in the centre a spacious portal; over which are sculptured, in high relief, the arms of Elizabeth, under a canopy adorned with roses, with the date 1596. Attached to the imposts of the great arch are pillars, each supporting a figure of a lion, with a blank shield on its breast. Above are two stories, with large square mullioned windows. On each side the portal is an open arcade of three spacious round arches, reposing on massive pillars; over which, a range of square mullioned windows lights the upper story, which is surmounted by a rich, though singular parapet, with grotesque pinnacles.
General Markets are held on Wednesday and Saturday in every week, and Fairs for Cattle of all kinds, in the Smithfield, on alternate Tuesdays, and for Butter and Cheese, on the second Wednesday in each month.
The spacious apartments in the upper story of the Market Hall are occupied by the