Penryn History

The market hall building  – set in its island location between Higher and Lower Market Street – is one of the most iconic sites in Penryn.

In 1259 Henry III granted the Bishop of Exeter a charter allowing a weekly market in Penryn, which would go on to take place around this area for 300 years.

On the forecourt of the museum is the Fish Cross, a standing cross scheduled monument.

It draws its name from the weekly medieval fish market held at the junction between Broad Street, Market Street and St Thomas Street where fish, oysters and other shellfish from the Helford River were sold by the women of the town from wooden stalls.