Our background

Norwich lies at the centre of a great agricultural area, and it was for many centuries an important centre for trade. The Saxon market was located in Tombland area of the City, and after the Norman Conquest of 1066, a new market was established in the area known as the 'Mancroft'. By the 1300s, the main market in Mancroft stretched from Guildhall Hill very nearly to St Stephen's Church. Fish, meat, cloth, vegetables, shoes, livestock and many other items were each sold on their particular pitch or place. By the end of the 1600's, the market was becoming so congested that a new site for livestock sales had to be found, but it was not until 1738 the livestock market was moved to the "Castell Dykes", which is the area below the castle mound.

There was major redevelopment in Norwich city centre in the 1930s with the building of City Hall and, at the same time, moving the livestock market out of the centre of Norwich was discussed again and again. It was not until 1960 that a new market opened at Harford, at the same time as new markets in Shrewsbury and Gloucester (which have since closed). It was considered a great asset to both the city of Norwich and the farming community when it opened. At that time, the livestock market was extensive and covered the whole of the current area. It was not until the development of the site to erect the new "B&Q" that the site was reduced to its current size.

And now... the current day, we hold...

• Fortnightly cattle and sheep markets throughout the year
• Monthly Fur and Feather sales - February to October
• Regular Farm machinery sales
• Specialist rare breed sales
• An annual Christmas Poultry sale

You will find further information by following the above links and if you have any general enquiries or would like further information on entering animals in our sales, please contact us. We would be delighted to hear from you.