Market Place (Lavenham)
The Market Place in the outstandingly beautiful Suffolk town of Lavenham is hidden away behind the main street, rather like Saffron Walden, not far away in Essex.
In the centre of the Market Place is the Market Cross, which was erected in 1501 with money that a local merchant, William Jacob, left in his will for this purpose.
The Guildhall, dating from the 1520s, was the hall of the Guild of Corpus Christi. Today it is in the care of the National Trust.
The Little Hall was a wool hall owned by another merchant, William Causton. Built in the 14th century, it is now the headquarters of the Suffolk Preservation Society.
On an island site near the cross, stands the former market toll keeper's cottage.
Weekly markets were held here until the middle of the 18th century, and there were four fairs every year.
Just off the Market Place is the Tourist Information Centre.