Mike gave an enlightening chronological step through the history of the market from 1568, highlighted with many maps. Initially showing how the market was the main thoroughfare into Bristol Castle from Kingswood and further afield London.

A map of 1673 shows Lawfords gate close to the junction with Midland Road, this was used to close the city each evening. By 1828 it had gone.

Streets coming off Old Market had such names as Whipping Cat Hill (now Midland Road) and Dead Horse Lane (now Waterloo Road) relating to an abattoir.

In the 1880s horse drawn trams could be found in the market and a railway station in Midland Road. The Palace Hotel (Gin Palace) partially built came about due to the station.

1895 saw the introduction of electric trams. By 1901 the Market had 8 pubs, 1 Temperance Hall and the Jacob Street brewery. The Drill Hall was built for the 4^th Battalion Gloucesters.

Cinemas; Empire 1892 (originally a music hall), The Kings 1911 with The Tatler down a side street.

The 1930s saw many disturbances and in WW2 American GIs would be involved, mainly due to segregation. Old Market escaped much of the Bristol bombing during the war. The bombing ultimately led to the rebuilding of central Bristol and Broadmead took over commercially from Old Market. 1967 saw approximately a third of the market removed due to the new dual carriageway.

To finish, the audience were keen to add their memories, particularly The Ancient Court of the Pie Poudre (dusty foot) held in the Stag and Hounds.