Epping's Market Charter: Established 1253

Epping has actually had four Charters granted for it's Market. The first was granted in 1253 by King Henry III to the Abbott of Waltham Abbey for a Market at Epping Heath. This original Market was, like today's, held on a Monday.

In 1575, Queen Elizabeth I granted a Charter to a Mr Thomas Heneage to hold a market on a Friday in the Manor of Epping. Heneage was born at Copped Hall and was a Privy Councillor to Henry VIII and a member of Queen Elizabeth's Court, being appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in 1590.

The third Charter was granted in 1683 by King Charles II to Thomas Grey. We do not have details as to exactly who Thomas Grey was, although there was a Thomas Grey, 2nd Earl of Stamford who was a contemporary of Charles II. If anyone can help us with this information we would be grateful. This charter allowed markets to be held on Thursdays.

The 4th and final charter, which moved the market day officially back to Monday was granted in 1930 by King George V to Ernest Whythes, well known as the last inhabitant of Copped Hall and the man who paid for the construction of the Church Tower of St Johns, amongst other things.

The powers of the Manor including the Market were passed to the Epping Urban District Council and the market subsequently to the Town Council.

A full transcript of the charter can be accessed here