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(Picture Jim Cozens)

Read about the history of The Old Market at the bottom of this page

The Gem Shop 1 The Old Market, Dartmouth

The Gem Shop was established in 1977 and sells beautiful and unusual gold and silver jewellery from around the world. Having discovered us, our customers return year after year from all corners of the Globe.

We carry moonstones from Sri Lanka, Baltic amber, Israeli silver and gold jewellery made on a kibbutz. We import from Lithuania, Italy, Indonesia and Germany.

For all enquiries and designer jewellery to suit all tastes and pockets please drop in or telephone.

Telephone 01803 833620

Over 60's Rest Room

The Dartmouth Rest Room in Market Square has recently celebrated its 40th birthday. It provides tea and coffee at a small charge and an opportunity for shoppers to drop in for a rest or a chat with friends.

There is no formal membership, and anyone over 60, including visitors, is welcome to use the facilities. The Rest Room is currently open daily in the mornings between 10.00am 12 noon, with the exception of Sundays.

The History of The Old Market

Dartmouth's attractive old market was built in 1828 on land reclaimed from the old mill pool. It was the place to which farmers brought their livestock and other produce to sell in exchange for goods made in the town or brought in by sea.  Today the main open-air market is on Friday, with a smaller one on Tuesday.  However, the square is fringed with shops overlooking the cobbled courtyard and these, together with the businesses in the central building, are open throughout the week. The whole area retains its 19th century charm and, once a year in December, in a link with the past there is a big fatstock sale of meat and poultry attended by many anxious for a bargain Christmas dinner.  On market days the cobbled courtyard is covered with tables carrying garden produce, bric-a-brac, small antiques, clothes, and all sorts of bargains which attract hundreds of people and make these the busiest days of the week.  More stalls are set up outside on what is a car park on other days.  All in all, the bustle of market days and the specialist shops in the permanent buildings make this a place which both residents and visitors can enjoy at any time.                                                                                                 (Thanks to Ray Freeman for the above)  

The Traffic Warden was kept busy - even in those days!

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