Cal. Rot. Lit. Claus. (Rec. Com.), I. 527b.
MARKET-PLACES.
Markets and fairs were held sometimes in open and outlying places, as at Smithfield; but more frequently in central parts of their towns—in graveyards, in the market-places of which many survive, and in the streets. The last case has named streets in many English towns "Cheap" or "Cheapside," for "cheap" meant "market."
1223. The King to the Mayor and Bailiffs of Lincoln greeting.
We command you that on our behalf you cause to be forbidden that any market be held in future at Lincoln in the graveyards, but that the markets be held in the streets of that city, where best and most adequately you shall provide that they be.
Cal. Rot. Lit. Claus. (Rec. Com.), I. 547.
1233. The king has granted to Hamo de Crevecquer that the market, which has been used to be held every week on Sunday at Brenchley in the graveyard of the church, be held henceforth on the land of Hamo of Brenchley, and that he and his heirs have there every year a fair to last three days, the vigil, the day and the morrow of the feast of All Saints. And the sheriff of Kent is commanded to cause that market and the fair to be proclaimed, and to be held as aforesaid.
Cal. of Close, 1231-4, 234.
1234. The king has granted to the prior and the brethren of the bridge of Lechlade that they have for ever at Lechlade bridge every year a fair, to last for five days, the eve and the feastday of the Decollation of St. John the Baptist and the three following days.
Cal. of Close, 1231-4, 398.