Many large towns in England had a Market House often built on stilts like the one in the picture. It was then used for fairs and markets that used the surrounding area and underneath for locals to sell their wares.
This is Dursley Market House and was built in 1738 from a donation from one family. The upper part was the town hall and was reached by a stairway on the outside, unfortunately this caused traffic problems for the horse and carts, so it was moved to the underside and a jail for vagrants included.
On the end you will see a statue of Queen Anne (1665-1714), she gave the town £500 to help repair the church tower and steeple that collapsed in 1699. You will still see people selling goods underneath today.
Best viewed with the magnify button above the picture.
Magnificent building and story. £500 must have been a ton of money. I see the ever present roundabout sign. Double roundabouts were our nemesis when we were driving in the UK last year. LOL
@linnypinny@kathiecb@lhiphonesnaps Thank you ladies for your comments. Kathie you should go to Swindon in Wiltshire, they have 6 roundabouts in 1 apply named "The Magic Roundabout". I would Google Swindon magic roundabout.
@thresheg@kathiecb@congaree@gerry Thank you all for looking, I've been busy with working on a live football match, so I'm sorry for getting back to you.
