Much of the middle and late 1830’s in Merthyr Tydfil was taken up among other things, with the final permission and arrangements towards the erection, finally, of a town centre market place, a covered building which would supply the ever increasing population of this industrial town.
By Act of Parliament gained in 1835, Merthyr Tydfil’s local authorities could build and a fine, commodious building was officially opened on December 23 1837.
It comprised of: a rectangular stone structure, some 200 feet by 200 feet with a large central cart way for accessing vegetables and other produce into the market hall. The butchers’ market would occupy two sides of the building, forming two galleries some 250 feet in length and containing 108 large and enclosed stalls or shops. Underneath were some 28 cellars with staircases affording access. The inner market would be for the sale of fruit, vegetables, poultry, butter etc, comprising five long avenues with benches and stall boards on each side.
This was some place! (Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian, February 6 1836). At Christmas 1847, reported the same local newspaper, there was a very fine display of meat of all kinds. “Taking all together, the show of beef, mutton, and veal does infinite credit to the Merthyr butchers.”
Merthyr Tydfil Market Hall did service at the very heart of the town for the best part of over a hundred and thirty years.
The building was demolished as part of the renovation and upgrading of Merthyr Tydfil town centre in the early 1970’s. Market Square Church has moved to the southern end of the town centre and the market building and its immediate surrounds has been replaced in outline by the present day St Tydfil’s Shopping Precinct.
Being from Dowlais, I do not remember the need for my family ever to shop in Merthyr Tydfil market. I do remember the buses leaving from Victoria Street alongside the Dowlais market building. Incidentally, there were other markets and fairs in the area at “The Village” and at Cefn Coed for example.
