The new Market Hall later known as the Russell Rooms (Image dated just prior to it demolition in the 1980's)

 

Wellington Journal - 14th October 1871

KNIGHTON

                Baptist Annual Tea Meeting. - This meeting was held yesterday week. Tea was provided in the New Market Hall, and a great number of persons attended.

 

Hereford Times - 12th August 1882

THE PROVISION MARKET QUESTION.-As pointed out in a paragraph recently published in these columns, there has been some disinclination on the part of certain of the frequenters of the provision market to resort to the building at the top of the town set apart for the sale of farm produce. What the reasons of those persons who refused to resort to the Market Hall were need not now be given in detail. One objection was that the building was too far removed from the centre of the town, and that it was difficult of approach. The complaint is one of long standing, but it is only within the last three or four weeks that the complainants resolved not to resort to the Market Hall, but to make use of a room at the Norton Arms. Much inconvenience, of course, resulted, some of the people being at the Market Hall, and others at the Norton Arms, and the division was acting prejudicially to the market. The inhabitants of the upper portion of the town strongly objected to the removal of the seat of the market, and in the town generally there was a feeling in favour of existing arrangements. But the matter was one that did not come within the jurisdiction of the Local Board, and it was discovered that the only means to adopt with a view of concentrating the business was to endeavour to induce Sir Richard Green-Price, M.P., the owner of the Norton Arms, to use his influence with the occupier of the hotel against the opening of a room there for the resort of the market people. A deputation was appointed to wait upon Sir Richard, but the visit to Norton Manor by the gentlemen forming the deputation was not undertaken, owing to the inability of one of them to attend. On this, Sir Richard promised to meet the deputation at the Norton Arms, and the interview took place last Friday afternoon. There was a numerous attendance of the public. Mr Rutter, the high bailiff of the town, explained the state of affairs and pointed out that were the business of the market removed the property at the top of the town would be depreciated fifty per cent in value. In the name of the inhabitants of the town, and especially of those of the upper part of it, he appealed to Sir Richard to use his influence, as owner of the Norton Arms, against any part of the business of the market being transacted in a room in the hotel. Sir Richard said he was not aware until communicated with by the deputation that a difficulty had arisen, and, under the circumstances, he felt disposed to assist in preserving existing arrangements, so with this end he would undertake to communicate with the landlord of the hotel, asking him not to allow in future the use of a room for the purposes of a market, seeing that there was a building specially adapted for the purpose in existence.

 

 

Hereford Times - 19th August 1882

                THE SANITARY CONDITION OF THE MARKET HALL The Medical Officer of Health (Mr. Covernton) reported that, on visiting the Market Hall on the second Thursday in July, he found the building in an unhealthy condition. The place was over-crowded, and the people seemed to be huddled without hardly any space in which to move freely about. Beyond this there was a very offensive smell.

                A MEMBER observed that usually there were smells in Market buildings.

                The MEDICAL OFFICER replied that he had found that in the cellar of the building there were some old bones, and it was very likely that the smell he detected on his visit arose from them.

                Mr. JAMES thought that the police should clear the building of the loiterers on market days.

                The MEDICAL OFFICER said the space in the centre of the building was crippled by the stalls which were fixed to the walls.

                In answer to a question, the CLERK said the stalls were the property of the Board, who paid £5 a year for them, and received the rents. The benches in the middle of the building belonged to the Market Hall Company.

                The Medical Officer was requested to pay an official visit to the Market, and to present a written report of his investigations at the adjourned meeting.

 

THE MARKET QUESTION,

 

The Chairman had received a requisition signed by twenty-five owners and ratepayers, who were interested in the provision and maintenance of a market in the town at the same place where it had heretofore been held, requesting him to summon a meeting of owners and ratepayers "for the purpose of giving consent to the Local Board to do the following things or any of them:-

 

1.-To provide a market place, and a proper and suitable market house, and any other convenience for the purpose of holding markets (at the Market Hall, Knighton).

 

2.-To make convenient approaches to such market. "

 

3.-To provide all such matters and things as may be necessary for the convenient use of such market.

 

4.-To purchase, or take by lease, the Market Hall buildings and premises belonging to the Market Hall and Warehouse Company Limited, land, and public and private rights in markets and tolls, or for any of the foregoing purposes.

 

5.-To take stallages, rents, and tolls in respect of the use by any person of such market."

 

The CHAIRMAN said he did not see the use of convening a ratepayers' meeting, for all that the requisitionists required had been done. Knighton appeared to be in the same difficulty as Kington, and it seemed that so long as the high bailiff of the old Court Leet was in existence the Board could not get control of the Market.

                Further consideration of the matter was adjourned until Friday, and in the meantime the Chairman was requested to wait upon one of the gentlemen who signed the requisition, to point out the position in which the Board were placed.

 

Hereford Times - 16th September 1882

                The SURVEYOR reported that a firm of "higglers," who visited the market weekly, had declined to pay stallage for occupying a portion of outer space within the Market Hall, rented by the Board, and he asked for instructions in the matter.

                The Clerk was directed to inform him that all persons occupying the outer space must pay the toll demanded of them by the Board's officials.

​

Hereford Times - 14th October 1882

KNIGHTON LOCAL BOARD.

                The monthly meeting of this Board was held on Wednesday. Mr C. P. Peters presided, and the other members present were: Messrs, Ruther, James, Norgrove, Williams, Davies, Bache, and Clee,

THE MARKET HALL

                The Market Committee reported that they had visited the Market Hall as requested by the Board, and they recommended that the following alterations should be made in the Hall, namely, that it should be whitewashed; that the stalls round the outer portion of the Hall be removed, and the space left for packing purposes; that three new benches be put in the Hall; that the middle window in front be taken out, and iron bars inserted six inches apart; that the room at the top of the stairs be made a ladies' waiting room with the necessary conveniences; and that a urinal be made with a door opening into the street, The committee further recommended that these alterations should be carried out at the expense of the Board, that the cellars underneath the Market-hall should not be let for storing bones, perishable matter, or rubbish of any kind, and that the hall should be swept out every Thursday evening.

                Mr. BLAKE objected to the recommendation as to the inserting of iron bars in the middle window on the ground, that there would be draughts.

                Mr. RUTTER said that a free circulation of air was what was required.

                Mr. BACHE suggested that the swing shutters should be provided.

                Mr. RUTTER said that all public markets were now made quite open. Bad smells must be produced when the buildings were closed. The only question to his mind was as to who should be called upon to pay for the alteration.

                The CHAIRMAN asked if the committee had seen the Market Hall Company.

                Mr. RUTTER replied that several of the members attended with the committee, and from them he ascertained that they were low in funds, and could not possibly bear the expense.

                Mr. DAVIES asked if the shareholders would allow the Board to make the alterations.

                Mr. RUTTER replied that he thought there would not be any objection from them.

                Mr. DAVIES thought that an estimate of the cost of the suggested alterations should be obtained before effected, and he moved that the surveyor be instructed to prepare an estimate, and submit it at the next meeting of the Board.

                Mr. RUTTER seconded the motion, and it was carried.

 

 

Hereford Times - 11th November 1882

THE MARKET HALL.

                In accordance with instructions, the surveyor forwarded an estimate of the cost of the alterations proposed to be made at the market hall, together with a plan showing the alterations. The estimated cost was £17 198 9d,

                The CLERK said it was impossible to carry out the alterations suggested without laying a new rate. On the estimate for the current financial quarter there was £5 to the bad,

                On the suggestion of the CHAIRMAN it was decided, after considerable discussion, to have the Market-hall thoroughly cleansed and whitewashed, and to have three new benches provided for the use of people attending the market, at an estimated cost of £4 2s 6d. The consideration of the other alterations suggested was postponed until the financial condition of the Board was in a more satisfactory state.

 

Hereford Times - 16th December 1882

THE SURVEYOR'S REPORT.

                The SURVEYOR (Mr Anthony) reported that he had carried out the instructions given him at the last meeting. The butter market had been whitewashed internally, and the standings removed, allowing the "higglers" eighteen square feet of space for packing purposes,

                Mr DAVIES thought that the charge demanded of the higglers, 6d per week, for the space they occupied in the market-hall was insufficient.

                The CHAIRMAN thought it would be unwise to increase the charge at the present time, as by doing so they might drive the "higglers" away. There were three of them attending the market.

                Mr DAVIES considered that the men ought to pay 1s a week, and he proposed that the charge be increased to that sum.

                Mr WILLIAMS was of opinion that, looking at the present condition of the market, the Board should not increase the charges,

                Mr RUTTER shared the same opinion, knowing as he did the difficulty he had experienced on a recent occasion in endeavouring to induce the "higglers" to return to the market-hall,

                After some further conversation, during which Mr. Davies withdrew his proposition, it was resolved to give instructions to the Surveyor to award the eighteen square yards mentioned in his report between three "higglers," allowing each of them six square yards for packing purposes.

                The SURVEYOR also reported that the inhabitants in the neighbourhood of the premises used by Messrs. Bunford and Abley as a slaughter-house did not complain of a nuisance, and it was agreed that the premises should be registered.

                The Surveyor further reported that the "higglers" who attended the market had caused a nuisance by "drawing" rabbits in the butter market, and leaving the refuse on the ground, and it was resolved that notice be served upon the offenders, asking them not to commit the nuisance again.

                It was also reported by the Surveyor that, along with the Medical Officer of Health, he had examined the cellar of the Market Hall with respect to the nuisance caused by the accumulation of rabbit and other skins, and that the Medical Officer had expressed the opinion that no nuisance would be caused were the person trading in the skins to remove them every week. The Surveyor was instructed to see that the Medical Officer's recommendation was observed.

 

Leominster News - 20th June 1884

WOULD-BE SALVATIONISTS AT KNIGHTON.

                To the Editor of the Leominster News. Sir,-During the past fortnight two persons who style themselves as Mr. and Mrs. Brown, have been holding a series of meetings in this town. When they came they addressed meetings in Nelson- square, not forgetting after each meeting to make a collection to defray expenses. Subsequently the Assembly-room at the Market Hall was procured, and Mr. and Mrs. Brown commenced work in earnest. This Mr. and Mrs. Brown (as they describe themselves) state that they belong to the Montgomeryshire Gospel Temperance League, and that Mr. B. holds the honourable office of president of that august body, but so far as information has been obtained, there is no such temperance league established there. Mr. Brown tells his audiences that his mission to Knighton is to establish a branch of the army, but so far Mr. Brown has failed in his attempt. Mrs. Brown is the chief speaker, and out of curiosity she induced many to attend and listen to her, but these did not stay for the collection, which was very cruel. On several occasions the meetings have been of a very disorderly character, but the climax was reached on Thursday evening. It appeared that on that occasion several young men went to hear Mr. and Mrs. B., and on their arrival Mrs. Brown addressed them by saying that if they disturbed the meeting as they had done before they would be brought to justice. Several of them went out of the room, and at this juncture of the service eggs were thrown at Mr. Brown, who was at this time keeping the outer door, the groaning and hooting being intense. Mrs. Brown then became very much excited, and went for the assistance of the police, but the disturbance had abated and everything appeared very orderly. Shortly afterwards the police left, but here the row was at its height, many people seeking for admittance, and Mrs. Brown refusing such, a row ensued, Mrs. Brown threatening to knock the offenders with a large stick which she had in her hand; one of her supporters struck one of the opposite, and a free fight followed, during which eggs were used, Mr. and Mrs. Brown getting the worst end of the staff, and the meeting abruptly terminated. Mr. and Mrs. have left, we presume to establish an “army" elsewhere, but we may still receive an occasional visit from them. We trust they will be more successful than they have been in Knighton.

ONE WHO KNOWS.

Knighton, June 18th, 1881.

 

Leominster News - 10th August 1888

MARKET HALL.

                A letter was read from Mr William Davies, secretary to the Market Hall Company, stating that the roof of the hall was in a very bad state, and the coat of properly repairing it would be about £40, and asked the Board to help in the matter.

                It was resolved to grant the company one-half the cost, provided such half do not exceed £20.

 

Shrewsbury Chronicle - 18th January 1889

                The Market Hall Improvement Question : Mr Oldbury moved that the minute made at the meeting of the Board on the 14th November last, to the effect that the Board's contribution towards the repair of the Market Hall roof be not paid until their surveyor reported that the work was done in a satisfactory manner, be rescinded. This was seconded by Mr Murdoch, and carried, and the clerk directed to hand over the cheque to the company's secretary.

 

Leominster News - 22nd February 1889

NOTICE OF MOTION.

                Mr Davies moved that the permission given to the Market Hall Company at the special meeting on the 23rd January to erect three stops which it appeared would extend across the pavement at the proposed new entrance to the Hall, be rescinded. This was seconded by Mr Jones, and a fresh plan was laid before the meeting by Mr Oldbury showing steps which would be on a level with those at the lower end of the Hall, which plan received the sanction of the Board, and was signed by the Chairman and Clerk.

 

Montgomeryshire Express - 16th April 1889

Mr Oldbury stated on behalf of the Market Hall Company, that the plan recently sanctioned by the Board for alterations at the hall was found to take more space than was considered right, and also interfered with the light, and therefore he now asked the Board to sanction another plan which he produced, and to return the one formerly adopted. This the Board agreed to, and the new plan was sealed and signed by the chairman and clerk.

 

Radnor Times - 3rd May 1892

KNIGHTON. EISTEDDFOD.—The eisteddfod and concerts which took place at the Town Hall and the Market Hall, Knighton, on Easter Monday, in aid of the funds of the Baptist Missionary Society, proved an unprecedented success. Although the weather was anything but favourable, large numbers attended the eisteddfod and concerts.

 

Radnor Express - 21st December 1899

REPAIRS AT THE MARKET HALL.

                The Surveyor reported that the ceiling of the Market Hall was falling down. Something should be done at once as the ceiling might fall on someone on market day. He suggested that the bad part should be boarded. A large piece came down the night before last.

                Mr Allcock proposed that the Market Hall Company should be served with notice to repair as it was at present dangerous.

                The Surveyor said he thought the Council paid one-half the cost before.

                Mr Allcock: Why?

                Mr Williams: We have the Market Hall free.

                The Clerk: Yes the Middle of the floor is free, and it has been conveyed to the Council, but I don't think the Council is the authority to repair the ceiling.

                The Chairman: It was paid half and half before.

                Mr Allcock said the Market Hall Company let the upper part for a gymnasium, and this was the cause of the ceiling falling. The Council had the benefit of this, and if the gymnasium was not there the ceiling would not come down. Why should the council pay under these circumstances.

                 The Clerk referred to the minutes, and from these it appeared that in June, 1896, the ceiling of the hall was repaired at the joint expense of the Council and Company.

                Mr Blower seconded Mr Allcock's proposition.

                The Chairman: The Company have got no money to do anything.

                Mr Allcock: There is a new Act now, and if anyone gets killed someone will have to pay.

                Mr Blower: It might kill a goose. (Laughter.)

                Mr Allcock: The Company will be sure to repair the ceiling for the sake of their reputation.

                The Chairman: They have none to keep. (Laughter.)

                Mr Lote: I think the Council ought to pay half.

                The Surveyor: Suppose a lump falls tomorrow in a basket of butter, who will be responsible?

                Mr Lote: Send it to Mr William Davies, the secretary. I propose an amendment that the Council pay half the same as before.

                 Mr Williams: It's a half and half place, and I shall second the amendment.

                A division was taken, and the amendment was carried by a majority of one.

                Mr Blower (to Chairman): You are a member of the Market Hall Company and cannot vote. (Laughter.)

                 The Chairman: It is only a small job,-about 10s apiece.

                Mr Allcock: Then why trouble the Council. The Market Hall Company are all wealthy gentlemen.

                Mr Williams: The Council ought to buy them Let's offer them £50. They ought to take it.

                Mr Allcock suggested that a box should be placed outside the Market Hall asking for subscriptions for the Company. (Laughter.)

                Mr Lote said the previous resolution of the Council in favour of assisting the Company was passed by a full meeting so they would only now be carrying out what was decided before.

                Mr Williams urged that that the Hall should belong to the Council, and said that if a subscription list was opened he would gladly give a £1 or £2.

                Mr Allcock said the Chairman could not vote as he was interested.

                The Chairman: You are a shareholder as well as I am.

                The question then dropped.

 

Radnor Express - 18th January 1900

Surveyor's Report.

                The Surveyor reported that the ceiling in the Market Hall had been taken down and boarded as directed at the last meeting.

 

Radnor Express - 17th May 1900

                Mr James asked what had been done about the nuisances at the Market Hall?

                The Surveyor said he mentioned the matter to the persons who were in default, and everything had been cleared out. He did not think there would be any accumulation there in the future.

                The Chairman: You will have to keep an eye on them.

                Mr James: Is the notice served on the occupier or the owner?

                The Surveyor said he had spoken to O'Hare and the other man about the nuisance, and he also told the former that he thought the premises would not be much longer utilized for the purpose they had been.

                The Clerk stated that he had also written to the Market Hall Company asking them not to allow skins to be kept in the store rooms in the future.

                Mr James said this matter had become a great nuisance now, and he, for one, should not rest until it was thoroughly stopped. He and the other people in the neighbourhood had borne with the nuisance for a long while, and at times it was most abominable. The smell was bound to be detrimental to health, and these places were not suitable for the keeping of skins. The compartments were very convenient, and he thought the Council might easily let them for something else.

                The Chairman thought so too.

                Mr Oldbury suggested that the Council should take over all the places and keep them under their own control.

                The Chairman said he did not think the Council could rent a place unless they had a reason for renting it.

                Mr Allcock suggested that the Council should take the offices along with the hall, all in one taking.

                Mr Williams asked if he could have the rooms for a bottling stores. (Laughter.)

                The Chairman said it would never do to take over a place because of a nuisance.

There were other places where nuisances existed, and there were other ways of remedying them.

                The Surveyor: Can I claim admission to go in at any time? It is locked now.

                The Chairman: Oh, certainly.

                Mr Roberts said if the nuisance occurred again notice should be served.

                It appeared that the Surveyor had only given verbal notice, and it was decided that proper notice should be given.

 

Radnor Express - 9th May 1901

THE KNIGHTON MARKET HALL WAREHOUSE AND BUILDING CO. LTD., ESTABLISHED 1878.

To the Editor.

                Sir,-As the trustee of a shareholder in the above Company, I should like to ask through the medium of your valuable columns, who is secretary, and who the chairman and directors are, of this company. I may say that the reason of my asking is that the shares have been in my possession for twenty years, and during that time only one meeting of shareholders has been held. No dividend has been paid or statement of accounts have been rendered as far as I know or can ascertain at any time. The building still stands, and money must be received from the Market Hall, Town Hall, cellars, etc., and it is high time the Companies Act, 1862, was complied with, which provides that a yearly statement of the affairs of a company must be shown to its shareholders, and I think the officials whoever they are, are in a serious position if matters are carried to the right quarter.

Yours obediently,

TRUSTEE

 

Radnor Express - 19th June 1902

Surveyor's Report.

                 He had received two applications for the use of the middle part of the Market Hall, for the Coronation festivities. First, from the Coronation committee, in which to dinner the old people, and the other from the Baptist Society for the children's tea. As the committee were first he had therefore let it to them with the consent of the Council. He didn't know whether the Council would charge them, or let them have it free for the occasion. It was agreed that the committee have the use free of cost, and that the surveyor be asked to put it in good order. Mr James promised to supply some bunting for the occasion.

 

Radnor Express - 18th February 1904

Proposed Purchase of the Market Hall.

                The Markets committee, having inspected the premises, reported that the Market Hall was in a fairly good state of repair, and they thought the council would do well to treat with the directors for the purchase.

                Mr Roberts suggested that in fairness to the vendors the council should decide whether or not they were in favour of purchase before the letter of the directors on the subject was read.

                In reply to Mr Blower, the Chairman said that the exits would have to be made satisfactory whether they purchased or not.

                A show of hands was taken, and was unanimously in favour of treating for the purchase at a price.

                The Clerk then read the letter from the chairman of the directors of the Market Hall Company, stating that the capital laid out in the purchase of the site and erection of the building was about £1,025, to which should be added about £200 for improvements and enlargements affected within the last few years. With a view of inducing the council to purchase the property, and thus become the sole owners of the premises, which would be an advantage to the town as well as to themselves, the directors were prepared, subject to the vote of the shareholders, to take the very low price of £650, if accepted within a reasonable time, but that price would not be offered to any other proposed purchaser.

                Mr Roberts asked for particulars as to the revenue.

                The Clerk, in reply, stated that he had investigated the accounts of the Company for seven years from December, 1895, to December, 1902-and found that the revenue for that time amounted to £247 14s 10d. The revenue for the year ending 31st December last was £29 16s 3d, a total for the eight years of nearly £278, or an average of about £34 10s per annum.

                After a discussion, the council appointed a committee, consisting of the Chairman, Messrs E. Roberts, J. Blower, Wm. James, and J. Heywood, to confer with the directors on the purchase price, the surveyor in the meantime to inspect the roof and the premises generally.

 

The Weekly Mail - 26th March 1904

JOINT STOCK COMPANIES.

                The "London Gazette" contains a notice, dated March 18, and signed by the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies, which states that at the expiration of three months the names of the under mentioned companies will (unless cause is shown to the contrary) be struck off the register, and the companies will be dissolved, viz. :- Knighton Market-hall, Warehouse, and Building Company (Limited).

 

Leominster News - 30th September 1904

KNIGHTON.

HARVEST THANKSGIVING.

The Primitive Methodists held their annual sale of farm and garden produce in the Market Hall, on Friday evening last. Mr. Philip Davies, Presteign, kindly gave his services as auctioneer.

 

South Wales Daily News - 24th March 1909

                The Knighton Market Hall, Warehouse and Building Company, Ltd., has been wound up voluntarily. Mr John L Allcock, of Knighton, was appointed liquidator. A meeting of creditors of this company will be held at the Market Hall, Knighton, on the 30th March at 3 p.m.

 

Radnorshire Standard - 27th March 1909