Birmingham Market Hall instance of building
Birmingham Market Hall was a municipal market hall in the Bull Ring area of Birmingham, England (and part of the city centre there), from 1835 to 1940, when the interior and roof were destroyed by enemy bombing; although parts remained in use until final demolition in the 1960s.Background
Urban population increases in 18th & 19th century England and Wales arising out of industrialisation, gave impetus to changes in the ownership and provision of physical market places for the sale of foodstuffs and other products in towns and cities. More than 300 Acts of Parliament were passed between 1801 and 1880 allowing nascent local governments to acquire market rights from their manorial holders, and to fund the construction of market facilities. From about 1800, market halls emerged as the 'perfect form' of the market place, and town followed town in bringing their markets indoors into roofed buildings supplying amenities such as water and heating. In particular, St. John's Market, a capacious market hall constructed in Liverpool from 1820 to 1822, came to be taken as a model for other locations, including Birmingham.In the late 18th century, Birmingham's street commissioners were authorised to buy and demolish houses in the town centre, including houses surrounding the Bull Ring, and to centre all market activity in the area. A wide area fronting St Martin's Church formed the marketplace. The Street Commissioners decided that a sheltered market hall was needed, with powers granted by the Improvement Act of 1828 (9 Geo. IV). They bought the market rights from the lord of the manor and, by 1832, all properties on site had been purchased, with exception of two, whose owners demanded a higher price. To fund the purchase of these properties, two buildings were constructed either side of the market hall and the leases sold at auction.
Railways arrived in Birmingham in 1837, shortly after the hall opened, facilitating the supply of fresh produce from further afield. Subsequently, New Street (1854) and Moor Street (1909) railway stations were built, opposite the west and east ends of the market hall, respectively.Design
Construction of the Market Hall, designed by Charles Edge (the architect who completed Birmingham Town Hall) in the Classical style, began with the laying of a foundation stone on 28 February 1833. It was completed by Dewsbury and Walthews at a cost of £20,000 (£44,800 if the price of acquiring the land is included) and opened on 12 February 1835, containing 600 market stalls. The building was grand and the façade consisted of Bath stone. Two large Doric columns supported a wide entrance at each end of the building. At the end of the market day, metal gates were pulled in front of the entrances.The Market Hall contained an area of 39,411 square feet (3,661.4 m2), being 365 feet (111 m) long, 108 feet (33 m) wide, and 60 feet (18 m) high.
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