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*Sherwood Forest* and the Dukeries Tourism

Retford Heritage Trail - Market Square.

Laid out in the late 18th Century following the rerouting of the Great North Road through the town, the square is today the centre of this vibrant market town. Outside the Town Hall, which itself has been subject to a major recent renovation project, is the Broad Stone. This stone was the base of an old parish boundary cross, the Dominie Cross, moved here from a nearby location in the 1800's, possibly from the site of the Victorian Street by the same name to make way for housing. It is believed that in the plague years of 1558 and 1664 coins for trading were placed in vinegar in the hollow of the stone to prevent disease from spreading.

Retford Town Hall

The 1868 Town Hall seen today replaced a Georgian Hall, built in 1755 and financed by the Duke of Newcastle that was located on the North East of the square where the roundabout is now. It was demolished to improve traffic congestion. The new hall includes corn, butter and meat markets under the grand chambers that are used by the Council and a splendid ballroom that is available for public hire. The 'Old Bank' next door has a fine terracotta frontage with the old town coat of arms. Another coat of arms is believed to be the Foljambe family, a wealthy local family who started the bank.

Old Bank

Memorial in Market Square

On the West side of the square are four private residences, two either side of the archway late C18.

Walk through the nearby opening to the right that leads to the White Hart Yard, this old coaching inn is said to date from 1730 when Retford was a major stop over on the Great North Road, the main route from London to the North East. Many coaches would have stopped including the Royal Mail London to Edinburgh. The watchmakers shop contains the stalls for the horses and the coachman's mounting block can be seen in the yard.

Retford Heritage Trail - Market Square.

On the West side of the square are four private residences, two either side of the archway late C18.

At the centre of the square is the war memorial, marked with distances to the battle sites of the 1st world war battles.