Stourbridge Market

Stourbridge’s History & Past

Stourbridge – Sturbrug or Sturesbridge as it is spelt in the 1255 Worcestershire assize roll – evidently owes its name to an ancient bridge erected across the River Stour which, until recently, formed the boundary of the counties of Worcester and Stafford. The medieval township lay within the more extensive manor of Swynford (or Swinford) which, as the name indicates, was called after a ford – possibly situated near the present riverside estate called Stepping Stones. The settlement lay within what was the inferior manor of Bedcote, a name that survived into this century as that of one of the mills so important to the growth of the local community and is still retained as a street name. Swinford is mentioned in a Saxon charter of about 950 AD and, spelt Suineforde, is mentioned in William the Conqueror’s Domesday Survey, when the manor was possessed by William Fitz Ansculf, one of the most powerful of the Norman lords, who was able to supervise his great estates in the West Midlands from his hilltop castle at Dudley. This William also held Pevemore (the present day Pedmore) lying to the south of Stourbridge, and Elmcote (now Amblecote), which is a parish on the northern bank of the Stour in Staffordshire until recent years yet within the diocese of Worcester. Until it was created a separate ecclesiastical parish in 1845, it formed part of the parish of Old Swinford – the word “Old” having been added centuries earlier to distinguish it from the adjacent parish of Kingswinford or Swinford Regis.

Present & Future

Tudor Markets took over the market on the 25th of November, debuting alongside the Stourbridge Market Light Switch with celebrity Anthony Cotton. The event was deemed a success with over 50 market stalls of craft, hot food and drink and included local charities.

Tudor Markets relaunched the Saturday Market on the 31st of March which has continued every Saturday onward

Trading times are 9 am-5 pm

Gazebos & Lighting provided as standard

Competitive rates for these limited spaces are available, so contact us now to reserve your place!