Before 1842 market traders in
Great Torrington had to set up their stalls in the streets while the butchers sold their meat in an open courtyard at the rear of the town hall known as '
the shambles'. To the left of the entrance can be seen the original table of tolls and rent. In 1842, £2,990 was raised and the present Market House and market were built where fresh farm produce, meat and fish could be sold. On its South Street frontage a hall was added with a gallery above the arch leading to the pannier market and market hall, reached by a narrow cobbled lane flanked by 12 small shops used as the
pannier market. The hall was available for lectures and exhibitions and balls and concerts were also held here. In 1936 the hall became the public library until it relocated to its present site. The iron gates at the entrance to the market were made by a local blacksmith, Richard Baker. In 1892 the market hall roof was glazed. ==Market House==