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Historic Fleetwood Market

Fleetwood Market is one of the oldest and most traditional markets in Lancashire, with its roots stretching back to a 13th-century royal charter before officially opening in the mid-19th century.
In 1275 King Henry III originally granted market rights to the manor of Rossall, which encompassed the future site of the port town.

Fleetwood Victorian Market and Mkt House Studios

Photo Credit: Alexandra Holt

In 1840 Sir Peter Hesketh-Fleetwood (founder of the town) activated these rights, opening the market on November 7 between Adelaide Street and Victoria Street. The original facility was a primitive wooden structure with a slate roof enclosed by sandstone walls.

Fleetwood was founded in 1836 and derives its name from its founder, Sir Peter Hesketh-Fleetwood. The town was designed by one of the leading architects of the time, Decimus Burton, as a purpose-built, completely new town, which makes it unique in Lancashire and unusual amongst other post-medieval towns in England.

in 1890 the local authority purchased the market rights and rebuilt the main hall using Longridge stone in 1892, establishing the core of the current Victorian structure.

From the collection of Wyre Council and Fleetwood Market

Mrs Flemyings Biscuits inside Fleetwood Market in the 1930-40s

From the collection of Wyre Council and Fleetwood Market

The market became fully covered with further building expansions in 1933, followed by revamps in the 1960s and the addition of the ‘birdcage’ extension in 1975.

The market underwent major extensions in 1990 to house over 250 stalls. Between 2000 and 2024, it received a £3.2 million refurbishment partly funded by Historic England, followed by the unveiling of a heritage blue plaque by the Fleetwood Civic Society