Location: Lord Street (car park opposite)
Bacup’s Old Market Hall is a clear reminder of the town’s confidence and prosperity during the Victorian period. Opened in August 1867, it was built as a purpose-designed covered market and intended to be both a practical trading space and a strong civic statement.
The building was designed in an Italianate style, using locally quarried stone, and features a substantial rectangular form with robust masonry and classical detailing. Inside, the original market hall made extensive use of iron and glass, with cast-iron columns supporting a glazed roof to allow natural light to flood the trading floor. This combination of solid stone construction and light industrial materials was typical of mid-19th-century market halls in growing industrial towns.
The site slopes, which means the building presents itself differently depending on where it is viewed from, appearing as two storeys in some places and three in others. This gives it a strong presence in the townscape and reflects the practical way Victorian builders adapted large civic buildings to challenging terrain.
For many decades, the Old Market Hall played a central role in Bacup’s commercial life, hosting traders and acting as a hub of daily activity. However, as retail patterns changed during the 20th century, its original function declined. The hall became redundant as a market in the early 1970s following the development of newer market facilities closer to St James Square.
In recognition of its architectural and historic importance, the building was granted Grade II listed status in 1984. Since then, it has seen a variety of uses but has not returned to its original role as a market hall.
Today, the Old Market Hall remains a significant landmark. It stands as a physical link to Bacup’s trading heritage and to a time when towns invested in permanent, ambitious public buildings. As Bacup continues to reshape its town centre, the Old Market Hall forms part of the longer story of how commerce, community and place have evolved over time.
Bacup Fountain
The mosaic reflects the Old Market Hall as a place of trade, exchange and social life. Once at the heart of Bacup’s commercial activity, it represents how the town has continually adapted while holding onto its character.
So Far Away
Her once crowning glory now a skull, caved in and shattered
The brittle shards that remain are still smashed and scattered.
Her rock face complexion now dulled with weather and age
Her faded expression displaying despair and outrage
The once steely sinews that held her proudly upright
Now fail in their duty and only add to her plight
Allowing her dust bones to fragment and crumble
As she becomes more unstable and ready to tumble
Her once clear eyes now blinded by the cataract boarding
A ‘DANGER KEEP OUT’ warning displayed on a hoarding.
Her skeleton frail but her demeanour commanding
Not quite steadfast Bacup Market Hall remains standing.
Once back in the day
Now so Far Away
Her style was Italian, her design structure first class
Her original roof was constructed of iron and glass
Three storeys on her east side and two on her west
Circular windows in her apex with blue fleur de lys crest
Three aisles with cross passages made up the floor
And eight glass fronted shops stood at her fore
Within her interior the stalls were varied and many
And items of shipping could be bought for one penny
There were stalls for fishmongers, butchers and bakers
Toy stalls and sweet stall, ironmongers and drapers
She was an emporium of a time ow almost forgotten
In a town that was famous for its manufacture of cotton.
That was back in the day
Now so Far Away.
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So Far Away
