The Market Square, Northampton

The Market Square is reputedly the largest fully enclosed open air market in the country. It dates back to 1235 and prior to 1873 livestock as well as usual provisions were sold.

There are tunnels beneath the Market Square the purpose of which isn't fully known but 'secret escape routes' is the most favoured theory.

Until relatively recently, the square has always boasted a fine monument in its centre, the last being a superb Victorian Fountain, erected in 1863, and sadly removed in 1962 because of persistent vandalism. In 2006, the council revamped the square and it is unlikely it will ever be seen like this again.