Market House

The Market House, located in the Market Place, was built in the late 17th century, likely between 1660 and 1674. Tradition holds that it was commissioned by Frances, wife of the 2nd Duke of Somerset. Constructed primarily of local red sandstone with ashlar detailing, the building features a tiled roof.

The ground floor has an open arcade with six bays on the north and south sides, and two bays at each end. The arcade consists of round arches supported by Doric columns, with half-columns serving as responds. At the east end are two windows, each with three round-headed lights, and a recessed panel containing keyblocks and a bust, believed to be of Charles II. A similar window is present at the west end, along with four rectangular sunk panels, originally adorned with pediments and scrolls which are now weathered. Matching windows are also found in the north and south walls. A round-headed doorway in the centre of the north wall opens onto a recessed balcony with panelled and carved posts and turned balusters to the railings. A carved monogram with the initials F C or T C can be found on the south wall near the east end.

A small, square, boarded lantern clock tower sits atop the roof, featuring a modillioned cornice and a concave lead-covered roof. Small, arched, shuttered openings are on each side of the tower. A staircase is located within a panelled enclosure in the southwest bay, characterized by straight strings, turned balusters, a wide handrail, and square newels. The upper level is supported by four oak posts carved as diminishing Ionic pilasters. The building is scheduled as an Ancient Monument.