Swinemarket, Kirkby Lonsdale

The Swinemarklet (aka Swine Market) is a small cobbled square in Kirkby Lonsdale, situated between Mill Brow and the churchyard of St Mary's Church. It was once the main market area of the town and a place where pigs and other animals were traded and slaughtered. However, by the early 19th century the old market area had became too congested, and a new Market Place was built in 1822. At that time, the old medieval market cross was relocated to Swinegate. The buildings around Swinegate date from the 19th century and include The Old Weigh House, Cross Cottage, and No. 10 Mill Brow.

Here in the past, pigs and coal were marketed In the centre of the square is the town’s old market cross.

Next to the pretty white cottage and the ginnel to the churchyard and Ruskin’s View is medieval Abbot’s Hall. Now a private house, it was until 1813 the administrative office of Trinity College, Cambridge, which controlled much of the land around Kirkby. Here tithes were collected and civil disputes settled.

Behind you is the little weigh-house and store associated in the past with the works down Mill Brow. Notice the outline of the weighing platform in the cobbles in front and the louvres in the wall for ventilation.

Just across the road are the nineteenth century police station, courthouse and lock-up where local justice was administered.

This cobbled square with a view of the church tower and Horse Market is now protected by the District Council as an important part of the town’s Conservation Area.

Plaque: Kirkby Lonsdale Civic Society