Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Melton Mowbray Town Estate
Back to our Roots - The Story of Melton Mowbray Town Estate Parks
| — | The Market Place | — |
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, May 5, 2026
1. Melton Mowbray Town Estate Marker
The History of the Market Place
Melton Mowbray's Market is mentioned in the Domesday book, an accolade bestowed on only a few towns in England; recorded as the only one in Leicestershire. The market itself is the third oldest in the land, and it is still held on a Tuesday.
Whilst the oldest documentary evidence is from the year of 1077, the market was first established in Saxon Times. 1793 was a significant year for the Town Estate as far as the Markets were concerned, it was then that the Estate first entered into negotiations to obtain control of the Market from Lord Melbourne, Lord of the Manor.
In October of the following year, a lease for the Market Tolls was obtained for forty years, for an annual rent of £32.15.0. One of the objectives for obtaining control of the tolls was to increase trade in the town. In having control of the tolls the Town Estate could prevent them from being levied. Lord Melbourne, wanting to protect the ancient right to levy them, insisted that some of the tolls should be paid each year.
When the lease came to an end, another was obtained. In the year 1850, the Manor of Melton, with
this page online
The Market Place is also the focal point of three local Hunts; the Belvoir, the Cottesmore, and the Quorn. According to local tradition the Market Place is considered 'neutral ground', not being 'within' the boundary of any particular Hunt.
On 1st January 1983, the Town Estate introduced the 'New Year's Day Meet', with the three Hunts taking turns to participate. The Millenium Day Meet, 1st January 2000, was unique as all three Hunts met together in the Play Close. For safety reasons the 'New Year's Day Meet' now takes place there.
Arthur W. Shouler, past Townwarden and Feoffee, purchased the site of the old "Barnes Block" and donated it to Melton Mowbray Town Estate, in order to enlarge the Market Place to the size it is today.
Painting the Town Red
'Painting the Town Red' conjures up images of revelry. In the early hours of Thursday 6th April 1837 the Marquis of Waterford and other 'gentlemen' literally 'painted' the town red! After attending the Croxton Park Races, and consequently enjoying the 'hospitality' of local inns a large inebriated group, including the Marquis, arrived at the tollgate at Thorpe End.
The toll keeper refused entry into the town until the tolls were paid. On this occasion though, the unruly crowd with nails and tools barricaded the toll keeper into his house, painting the gates red.
Reportedly staying in Melton at the time of the races, the Marquis' party would not stop at the toll gate. Proceeding down the Beast Market (now Sherrard Street) they continued with their 'decorating'. They painted doors, knocking over plant pots, rampaging through the Market Place and Burton Street. This culminated in the Marquis being hoisted up on to the Swan Porch to paint the Swan. This is commemorated in the coloured engraving by Henry Alken.
When the local Constabulary of the time attempted to stop the Marquis' shenanigans they were given a coat of paint also.
The following day, the town was in uproar, some were red with rage, some with paint! When Waterford finally sobered up he was made to pay handsomely for the damage that had been done to people and property. The culprits were found not guilty of causing a riot, but were fined £100 each for common assault. The Marquis has become infamous due to his antics, we still remember him with the saying today.
Following a disastrous fire on 18 September 1985 it was necessary to make renovations to the Swan Porch. The original effigy of the Swan was restored and can still be seen today. During the restoration of the Swan the 'Marquis' red paint was revealed!
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is April 6, 1837.
Location. 52° 45.875′ N, 0° 53.213′ W. Marker is in Melton Mowbray, England, in Leicestershire. It is on Market Place, in the median. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 26 Market Place, Melton Mowbray, England LE13 0PU, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Midlands. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 16 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: King Street (within shouting distance of this marker); The Medieval Garden King Street (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Melton Mowbray Town Estate (about 150 meters away); Burton Street (about 180 meters away); The London Road (about 180 meters away); a different marker also named Melton Mowbray Town Estate (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); a different marker also named Melton Mowbray Town Estate (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Hudson's Cottage (approx. 14.7 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melton Mowbray.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on October 15, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. photo of the marker within its surroundings • Can you help?
