Plymouth, Markets | East Stonehouse Market

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The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History

MARKETS

EAST STONEHOUSE MARKET

Updated: 22 September 2011

The earliest published description of the market at East Stonehouse dates from 1812 [1]:

'A very neat and convenient market has been lately built here, which would be a great accommodation to the inhabitants if it was well supplied; but we understand there is a very scanty supply of provisions, and it seems to be a general opinion that it cannot be supported, situated as it is between two such great competitors in the neighbouring towns. Two fairs are held on the first Wednesday in May, on the Quay, at Stonehouse, and continues for two days; and the other on the first Wednesday and following day in September.'

East Stonehouse Market was situated in Edgcumbe Street, between Market Street and Brownlow Street, almost next door to the Queen's Arms Public House.

From Stonehouse Market on Monday November 14th 1825 a Mr and Mrs Graham of Poland Street, Pantheon, Oxford Street, London, ascended in a hot-air balloon costing £700. Attempts to talk Mrs Graham out of going had failed. [2]

A pilot balloon had gone up at 11am and found the wind to be North West by North. The Grahams set off but their balloon came down between Stoke Head and Yealm Point, only 10 minutes from the start and 14 minutes after departure. [2]

They were in the sea for about 20 minutes when the balloon suddenly shot up out of the water and flew off across the English Channel. They were rescued but the balloon was lost. Lord Morley started a subscription fund to try to raise the cost of the balloon. [2]

Stonehouse Market was evidently still in use circa 1860 as it was shown on the First Edition of the Ordnance Survey.

Sources:

[1] "The Picture of Plymouth", Messrs Rees and Curtis, Plymouth, 1812.

[2] Brindley, Robert, "The Plymouth, Stonehouse & Devonport Directory: Chronological Events", W Byers, Devonport, 1830.