Shambles

The Shambles is a Grade II* listed building constructed from coursed and squared local red sandstone, featuring brick vaults. It consists of an arcade with twenty-four tall, narrow arches separated by battered buttresses. Each arch has impost blocks and a semi-circular shape, containing a doorway with a rectangular vent above it, a segmental head, and a lunette with a stone cill above. A dentil cornice supports the street balustrade above the arcade. Access to the arcade is provided by a ramp at the north-east end, while the south-west end features a steep flight of stone steps leading up to the rear of the former Market Hall.

Originally, the spaces behind the arcade, beneath the vaults that carry Priory Street, were designated for stall holders in the meat trade. These areas are now unused and derelict, along with some remaining slaughterhouse fixtures.