East Range of Aberdare Market

The East Range of Aberdare Market is a nearly symmetrical, single-storey building dating from the 18th century. It features a long 18-bay façade facing Duke Street, constructed of coursed rubble and topped with a hipped slate roof. The central three-bay section and the two end sections are slightly projected forward, with the end sections adorned with freestone parapets that conceal the roof. Most of the bays have round-headed blind arches with voussoirs, except for the right of center where four half-lit doors and five small-pane windows, made of dark wood, were added in the late 20th century. Some arches have been blocked since the last inspection in 1989. In the third bay from the left, there is an elliptical arch that once served as a through-passage, while to the left of center is a segmental-headed through passage with iron gates; its former exposed king-post truss is now hidden by a false ceiling.

The north end wall facing Market Street is two bays wide and includes a window and door similar to those on the Duke Street front. The rear of the building has been cement rendered, and toward the south end, there is a lean-to link connecting the East Range to the main market building. Inside, the East Range contains two units that open into the Market Arcade, featuring shop fronts made of plate glass with dark-wood surrounds. The building was not viewed during the inspection in 2020.