Although a market was officially granted in Bicester from as early as 1239 AD, it wasn't always smooth sailing for its traders and customers...

Due to the Black Death wreaking havoc upon the population of Bicester and surrounding villages in 1349, the local economy took a tremendous hit. Around this time, it was recorded that the toll from the market dropped, and was stated to be 'no more than 30s. on account of the pestilence'! These toll rates - paid by traders - amounted to approximately 1% of the value of the goods being traded.

In 1377, the future of the market was briefly put at risk, when the reigning monarch at the time (King Richard II) granted Sir John de Worthe of Bignell (part of Chesterton) permission to hold a Monday Market, along with a three-day fair, which was to be held on or around the Feast of St James (traditionally celebrated on the 25th July). The reason that this posed a potential problem is because, back then, markets were required to be situated at least 5 miles apart!

However, there is no surviving record indicating any type of legal dispute between the then Lord of the Manor of Bicester Market End, and the pesky 'upstart' Sir John de Worthe! The Bignell market was mentioned again in 1439 and 1463-64, but seemingly ceased operation after that.

Amongst the types of traders offering their services at the market in Bicester were:

- Barkers, who tanned leather using the bark of trees.
- Curriers, who transformed freshly-tanned leather into a product more suitable for other craftsmen to use.
- Skinners, who dealt in pelts, skins and furs.
- Glovers, who made and sold gloves.
- Fullers, who cleaned and thickened woven materials in order to eliminate dust, oils and other impurities.
- Dyers, who altered the colours of various textiles.
- Webbers, who operated looms.

If some of the above terms sound familiar, that's probably because they have lived on in the form of surnames!

There are also references to specific individuals who plied their wares at Bicester market during this period, such as:

- Richard Skinner and Thomas Tanner, whose occupations should be fairly self-explanatory!

- Robert Brasier, a wine merchant.

- Thomas Draper, who was known to sell cloth hoods and other items of clothing.

(Image below depicts a bustling historic market scene, courtesy of Bicester Local History Society).

Bicester's high street - now known as Sheep Street, due to the livestock fairs which were once held along it - was first built approximately 300 years ago, specifically for that purpose; however, it was reputedly originally called 'St John the Baptist Street'!

(Image below courtesy of Coles' Books).