Past and Present:
Thetford Marketplace
Thetford’s Market Place has undergone numerous changes since being established in this part of the town in the later part of the 18th century. The past photograph was taken on a market day, probably about 1920, just before the War Memorial was erected.
The Shambles, which now houses retail units, was originally built in 1837 and was used as a bus station in the 1970s. To the left is the Guildhall, which dates back to at least 1337. The current building was completed in 1901, and the historic clock tower has recently undergone extensive renovation.
To the right is the Red Lion, where a pub has stood since the 15th century. The current 1830s building became a Wetherspoons pub in 2012. David Osborne, who created Thetford Past and Present, worked on the boards about the history of the area inside the pub.
Past photograph courtesy of the David Osborne collection from the About Thetford archive
Discover more of Thetford’s history in the
Back in Time Trail!
Starting at the Ancient House Museum, follow the trail and view the best of 20 years of Past and Present, in the locations the pictures were originally taken.
Tag us in a recreation of your favourite snap on Facebook and Instagram, and you’ll be entered to win a £25 Thetford Shopping Voucher, plus every participant will receive a card of Thetford discounts at the end of the trail.
