Ely Market

The market at Ely

Ely market was the focal point of the week; almost everyone attended and for the local farmers and smallholders ti was a day out. A typical sight was a farmer in a pig float which contained about six fat pigs going to the market, there was a net made of rope covering the pigs to prevent them escaping en route. Having left the pigs in the good care of the auctioneer the vendor quite often spent the rest of the day in the many pubs which were open all day. He would then collect his pig money and endeavour to get home. Many of these gentlemen return to their home more by the instincts of their horse rather than by their jaded judgement.

The Corn Exchange was the place to meet all the local merchants. This occupied the central area adjacent to the marketplace which is now a shopping area. It was in this building that most of the transactions of the corn trade took place. The farmer would take about a pound of corn as a sample and hawk it around the merchants to obtain the best price. To enter this establishment cost the princely sum of thruppence. The building was also used for other purposes such as dinners, meetings, political events and weekly dances which often ended in a big fight outside.

Old time dancing took place at the Central Hall in Market Street and was well run by Mr Ted Day and his wife. This remarkable couple also ran dancing classes and it was there that I met my wife. Mr and Mrs Day, wherever you are, I forgive you! One wife and four children later I am a much happier if wiser man.