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The Markets

  
Markets are a major part of the trading and historical importance of Oswestry and have existed for many centuries as evidenced by the many Charters granted with Royal consent, or by the Lord of the Manor. The first known Charter was granted during the reign of Henry II when the Town was known as "Whiteminster". In 1262 a Charter was granted by John FitzAlan, Lord of the Manor To our Burgesses of our village of Oswaldestree. After a grant of a Charter by Edward Fitzalan in 1324 a Royal Charter followed in 1398 granted by Richard II..

 
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Market times
The last Royal Charter namely that of Charles 11 granted in 1674 remained in operation until the passing of the Municipal Corporations Act 1 835. The Powis Hall Indoor Market Hall was originally maintained by the Lord of the Manor, and was the Town Hall or Guildhall until premises adjacent were built in 1782. The site and the Hall, as the name implies, belonged to the Earls of Powis as Lords of the Manor, and was presented to the town by the then Earl in 1839. From this date undid 1960 the building was used as a corn exchange, then as a butter and cheese market, and during the second world war for emergency storage and for auxiliary fire service purposes. The Hall was reconstructed in 1963 to its present design and has since been subjected to several schemes of improvement, the most recent being the provision of a new roof, and replacement heating, ventilation and electrical systems.

The Market is open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday throughout the year.

Without doubt the Oswestry Retail Markets remain the town's major tourist attraction drawing visitors from far and wide. The Town Council, conscious of the attraction of a traditional retail market, endeavours to preserve, as far as possible, the historical and picturesque character of its inheritance. The Wednesday outdoor market attracts a capacity 120 stalls weekly, creating a wide ranging balance of traders with hustle and bustle, colour and excitement to interest all visitors and shoppers. By comparison the Powis Hall provides comfortable indoor shopping facilities in a traditional format together with a modern, attractive cafeteria offering a wide ranging choice of menu at reasonable prices. Oswestry Town Council as a market authority is nationally recognised and rewarded by its membership of the Executive Council of the National Association of British Market Authorities and due to sensible and sensitive management of its markets, the future looks extremely encouraging for the continuation of this long and respected tradition.