History of Swansea Market

Swansea Market’s long and colourful history began almost a thousand years ago, when local people gathered in the shadow of Swansea Castle to sell their wares and catch up on the local gossip. 

In 1652 a market house with a roof was built in Castle Square. Within a few years this market house proved to be too small with stalls starting to spill out into the streets.

It was'nt until 1830 that the market was re-sited to Oxford Street. Again this proved too small for the ever expanding Swansea town and plans were made to improve the market. A new elaborate Market was opened in 1897 and this was completely enclosed. Its roof was the largest structure of glass and wrought iron works in the UK. Later on that year electricity was introduced into the market.

The market continued to expand and by 1920's it had over 670 stalls.

During the Second World War, the market was devastated by German bombs. As the market was vital to the people of Swansea a makeshift market was built.

After the war, in 1961 the new Swansea Market was built on the present day site.