The market square was used as the cattle market from about 1530, when it was paved, until the middle of the 19th century. It was also the site of the pleasure fairs which took place here until the early 1900s. Many commodities were sold in the square, and their names were recorded: Corn-Hill on the north side, Malt-Hill on the east side and Rye-Hill here. The market cross stood in the centre of the square from its erection in 1535 until its destruction in the great fire of 1675. The town pillory was situated at the Abington Street end, and was used as a whipping post as late as 1814. The stocks were located on the west side.