Market House

The Market House, dated 1698 and restored in 1944, is located on the south side of Market Square in Minchinghampton. Constructed by Philip Sheppard, Lord of the Manor, it was originally intended for the sale of wool and yarn and became a significant wool market in 1702.

The building is of coursed and squared limestone with an ashlar chimney and a stone slate roof. It comprises a large, open-sided market area measuring eight bays by two, and a meeting room above. The north east gable end features two open round arches with keystones and imposts. The long sides originally featured circular piers with heavy caps and bases, although many have been replaced with square piers. The upper floor has timber cross-windows with leaded casements, with some being blocked, particularly at the north east end. Above the arcade is a band and a deep plastered coving running across the gable ends, with two small attic casements and a gable-mounted chimney with a plain cap at the north east end. Attached stone steps, supported on an arched base, are located at the rear. A datestone and a panel detailing charges made by the Lord of the Manor are present on the north east end.

Inside the market area are moulded cross-beams and a row of bulbous baluster-shaped timber piers at the centre. A later enclosed area at the south west end incorporates a war memorial inscription.