Cardiff Market
A look inside Cardiff's Victorian market.
(Words/photos © urban75, Jan/March 2007)

There's been a market in Cardiff since the 18th century, with the present structure dating from May 1891.

Designed by the borough engineer William Harpur, the building consists of a large wrought iron shed running from the back wall of Market Buildings through to Trinity Street.

The two storey structure has four aisles, with a balcony running across all four sides of the hall and inside you can expect to find a range of goods including cheese, fish, pets, electronics, secondhand records and laver bread, a local favourite made from seaweed.


The large H Samuel 'Everite Time' clock above the market entrance on St Mary Street. Sadly it has long since stopped working.


Market view.


The raised market superintendent's office - complete with clock tower - can be seen in the centre of this photo.


Looking down from the raised balcony.


No takers at the cafe today.




All quiet on the cafe cash till.


Looking across from the balcony.


There's been a pet stall on the balcony level since I was a kid.


A lone lady enjoys a cuppa.


The ornate entrance with the Cardiff coat of arms.

See: Cardiff Market 360º panorama




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