Is Newbury A Market Town?

Yes it is. The market was created some time after the Norman Conquest of 1066, when Newbury was called New Burgh. There were very few shops in Newbury in the early days and as a result, people would have to go to the market to buy or sell goods.

Newbury remained a small market town in the 18th century, and its industries were helped when the river Kennet was made usable for boats as far as Reading in 1723.

In 1873, a cattle market was built, though it closed in 1969. Also, a corn exchange was built in 1862, and grain could be bought and sold.

Newbury was given a coat of arms in 1948. It includes Newbury castle and has wavy lines to represent the River Kennet. Newbury's long history as an agricultural market town is represented by the sheaf, and there is a teasel to represent the wool industry.