Axbridge Square

Axbridge Town Trust manages the Square

March 2024. In order to clarify the usage of the square, the trustees have prepared this statement.

Somerset Highways are responsible for maintaining the surface of the Square and the thoroughfares. When the current surface was laid it was agreed that no yellow or white markings would be used to manage the routing of traffic through the Square.

Instead, natural obstacles (planters, seats, marked parking bays) have been used. The planters are owned by the Town Trust and were upgraded to wooden planters (more aesthetically pleasing), with Town Trust roundels attached, in 2018. They are planted twice per year. These, and the bay trees provided by the Streets of Axbridge project, are watered and maintained by the Trust.

Many years ago, a “Market Cross” existed in the Square and the approximate position can be seen, picked out with different coloured blocks, in front of the Oak House Hotel. The Cross was replaced in 1756 by the “Butter Cross,” which was removed, along with the row of houses (known as “Cock Row,” or sometimes “Rotten Row”)  and the Shambles, around 1830, when the Town Hall was erected. Rumour has it that this market cross was dismantled and moved to Cheddar at some stage, although there is little evidence to support this “popular” view! The story about the Axbridge cross going to Cheddar may be partially true. Lord Bath had extensive repairs made to the Cheddar Cross at the start of the 19th century and parts of the Axbridge cross were still in the vicar’s garden around that time, so may well have been acquired by Lord Bath for the restoration.

The town stocks were situated on the steps of the Market Cross and a pillory was on the other side of the Shambles. Somewhere near the Church Steps were a prison and a cage (a lock-up). The town stocks were moved to the museum (King Johns Hunting Lodge) many years ago, but the Square is still the focal point of many activities in the Town. Although it is no longer a place where punishment is meted out, it is still used for many different functions including a Monthly Farmers Market (first Saturday), a Yearly “Blackberry” Fair and Carnival (September), Somerset Showcase (different crafts & stalls from across Somerset – 30th April); Father Christmas in the Square (presents are given to every child in Axbridge, aged 9 or less – the weekend before Christmas, 18th December) and Pig Roast etc.

Historically, the town was a commercial centre in the 10th century (ref. Domesday Book) and then an important wool trading centre by the 14th century. The town became less prominent as the cloth trade began to decline in the 17th century. Now it is home to people with a wide diversity of roles undertaken far and wide. This doesn’t stop them from supporting the old traditions and keeping the town alive.

The Trust also owns the ground to the rear of the Cenotaph.

Further afield, many of the properties in the old parts of Axbridge are technically “owned” by the Trust who have Leased them out with tenures of 1,000 years! In practice the Freehold is often bought when the properties change hands for a nominal sum. If you own a property that is subject to this type of Lease you may wish to apply to the Town Trust to start the process of converting it to Freehold.

The Trust also owns land at Cocklake which, again, is let out at a commercial rent.

Historic image of Axbridge Square towards Town Hall
Historic photograph of Axbridge Square showing the Town Hall
The stocks
Square Towards Church with Farmers Market
The monthly Farmer's Market