This tour of the Market Place covers the period 1800 to 1940 and was compiled by The Olney History Workshop in the 1980's. The Olney & District Historical Society are indebted to Elizabeth Knight for permission to publish the work on this website. The Olney History Workshop's chosen period, 1800 to1940, makes use of personal memories; old photograph and newspapers; county directories and local almanacs; levy (rate) and Poor Law books and the records of local charities. Extra photographs have been added and some editorial changes made to facilitate the transfer of the material to the website.

The ODHS would like to develop the pages of this article to provide more detailed information on the history of the properties around the Market Place and particularly on their history since 1940 ( that is to say, within living memory of many older Olney residents). So, why not come for a chat so that we can talk about and perhaps record some memories of living around the Market Place? We would also very much appreciate the loan of any artefacts, reports, statements, letters, notes, photographs, posters, etc., that would help us with this task. The ODHS requires such material only for a period sufficent to photograph or copy it; typically such material is returned on the same day. Please contact us now at information@olneyhistory.org.uk.

For example, descendants of the Garner family have responded to the above request which has enabled the full history of Joseph Garner's drapery business to be compiled as a separate article on this ODHS website. The expanded business and living accommodation belonging to Garners eventually spanned from Number 20 to 22 Market Place.
Please click here for a direct link to the extensive Garner article.

Also, descendants of the Sowman family have responded to our request which has enabled the full history of JW & E Sowmans ironmongery business to be compiled as a separate article and comprises two extensive parts. This business, which considerably expanded its business lines over the years, eventually spanned from Number 32 to 34 Market Place.
Please click here for a direct link to the extensive Sowman article.