The Market House, Ledbury 1978

This authentic 1970s colour photograph, captured in 1978, features the historic Market House located on the High Street in Ledbury, Herefordshire. The archival image prominently documents the town’s most famous landmark, a striking Grade I listed timber-framed building completed in 1617. The structure is elevated on sixteen massive chestnut pillars, creating an open space beneath that was traditionally used for markets. The facade showcases intricate black-and-white chevron timber patterns and large leaded windows decorated with hanging flower baskets. The street scene reflects the daily life of 1978, with several period vehicles parked in the foreground, including a white Volkswagen Type 2 camper van. Pedestrians in late 1970s attire, including a woman in an orange coat walking a dog, are seen crossing the paved square. The background reveals a row of well-preserved historic buildings, including the Midland Bank with its classic striped awnings. This factual record captures the architectural heritage and vibrant atmosphere of this English market town as it appeared in 1978.