Bekynton's New Works (1451-2) form the northern side of the Market Place, and the water fountain replaces a medieval conduit built in 1451.
Bekynton's New Works
This row on the north side of the Market Place was provided by Bishop Bekynton in 1451-52. He had planned to build a complete square but only this side was constructed. It is known as “Bekynton’s New Works”.
The Conduit
The present water fountain was erected by the city corporation to replace an earlier mediaeval conduit built by Bishop Bekynton in 1451 and demolished in 1797.
Near the present water fountain stood the High Cross built by Bishop Knight in 1542 with money bequeathed by Dean Woleman to replace an earlier 14th century cross. It was used for important civic occasions and by market traders until demolished in 1783
From 1661 until demolished in 1779, a long rectangular pillared market house stood in the centre of the Market Place. The upper storey comprised two rooms – one the Council Chambers/Exchequer, which was also used as a courthouse and the other a wool store. The ground floor housed a fire engine. Its construction marked the final relocation of the market from the High Street to the present site.
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