The Gwyn Hall
1st March 2024
Neath General Market is situated in Green Street – the heart of the Roman town of Neath. It is one of the few markets of its kind left in Wales.
The Victorian indoor market is housed in a building that dates back to 1837, the year that Queen Victoria began her reign, when it is said that the construction cost £1,650. It was renovated in 1904 for a figure of around £7,500 and again in 1999 when a new roof improved the structure along with work on on the frontage to mark the Millennium.
Over 50 stalls offer fresh fruit and vegetables, florists, fashions’s for all ages, children’s toys and welsh crafts. Cafes satisfy pangs of hunger with traditional Welsh dishes, like faggots and peas, with receipes handed down from past generations
Books and pictures attract the eye of collectors and Welsh craft is a prominent feature to remind the visitor of the heritage of not only the ancient borough town but the Principality of Wales.
Newagents, hairdressers, toy stalls, confectionery and cakes stalls, curtains and rugs, watches. jewellery, key cutting and a fine selection of greeting cards are just a few of the many things available at what could be called Neath’s original shopping centre.
Butchers provide fresh meat and at Christmas time it is a treat to see the prepared turkeys tempting visitors as they did in Victorian times.
Many of the businesses in the market have been handed down from generation to generation and many parents take their children to toy stalls where they themselves had toys when they were young.
It is the unique atmosphere that makes the Neath Market a special place to visit as seasons change throughout the year, with many bargains you must see to appreciate.