Postcard Publisher unknown. Not posted. About 1908.

Romford Market began after permission was granted by King Henry III in 1247. It allowed a livestock market to be held every Wednesday where local farmers could sell sheep and cattle. The market was set up to provide an outlet for the leather trade operating at Hornchurch.

Postcard Publisher unknown. Postmark 12 Oct 1908. No sender's message.

King Henry III's Royal Charter declared: "Concerning the holding of a market. It is ordered that the Sheriff of Essex shall proclaim publicly throughout his county and its hundreds the establishment and holding of a market at Romford on Wednesdays, with all the liberties and customs belonging to the said market."

Postcard Publisher unknown. Not posted. About 1908.

Around the 17th Century the market also opened on Mondays and Tuesdays, but only for a short while. In 1919, the market became a daily event, however by 1925 the market reverted back to Wednesday, Friday and Saturday only. Cattle continued to be sold on Wednesdays until 1958. Friday and Saturday were more general in character where traders sold fruit, vegetables and a range of household goods.

Postcard Publisher: H.W. Hole, 60 South Street. Postmark: 8th November 1913.

Postcard signed "Mary" with no message.

A sheep's age can be estimated by examining the teeth; this may vary depending on the breed, nutrition and environment. Lambs are born with no teeth, but within two months they have eight temporary milk teeth. Permanent incisors replace the milk teeth, growing in pairs starting with the two central teeth. At Romford Market sheep were often referred to by their number of incisors. A "Two-tooth" would generally be between 12-19 months; a "Four-tooth" 18-24 months; a "Six-tooth" 24-36 months; and an "Eight-tooth" 30-48 months.

Postcard Publisher: H.W.Hole, 60 South Street, Romford. Not posted.  About 1910.

During 1831, Thomas Newcombe had only been married for one month before he decided to sell his new wife at Romford Market. He paid the customary market fees, twopence for the toll and threepence for the pitch, before conducting a public auction with his wife tied to a post by a new rope. She fetched 5 shillings and sixpence. The rope gained him an additional tanner (6d.).

Postcard Publisher: Photochrom Co. Ltd., London. Postmark: 3rd August 1907.

Sender's Message: "Dear V. I am not returning today not well enough do you think you could come over to tea tomorrow should be delighted if you could thanks for card this morning hope your Father is better with love yours Ede"

In 1832, Daniel Harding won the wife of a Collier Row labourer in an auction. The woman, with a halter tethered around her waist, was offered in a lot that included a child and household furniture.

Postcard Publisher unknown. Postmark: 21st September 1915

Sender's Message: "Dear Emily, am having an awfully jolly time. Went to Ilford yesterday and going to Halstead tomorrow returning Mon. Its awfully cold here but lovely & bright. My sister from London was here Tues & Weds. Much love from Winifred. Just received your letter & one from Rose so am just going there."

Woe betide any trader that started selling before the market bell sounded. For this crime a man selling apples and two fowls was fined a tanner (6d.) at a trial held in the courtroom on the upper floor of the Town Hall.

Postcard Publisher unknown. Not posted.

Memories of Brian Ecott:

"I lay awake realising that I once knew how to count sheep in Essex... Yan, Tan, Tethera, Pethera, Pimp... I could once count up to 100."

Postcard Publisher: H.W. Rawlings, 13 South Street. Not posted.

Postcard Publisher unknown. Not posted.