The 17th-century Old Amersham centrepiece
Built in 1682, the Market Hall (a Grade II listed building) was gifted by Sir William Drake to the people of Old Amersham to use for meetings (upper floor) and markets (ground floor). Over the years, the building has been used to house the local fire engine (1904), a public water pump and the town lock-up, and is now predominantly used for functions and the weekly Saturday market. The whole building was restored in 1911 by William Wykeham Tyrrwhitt-Drake and bore the family crest on the south wall.
The building comprises an old tiled roof and an octagonal wooden cupola with a clock face, the clock tower was restored in 2021/22. On the east side, mischief-makers (normally drunks) were held overnight in the lock-up, notable for its inscription “Commit No Nuisance” above the door. An ancient water pump dating 1785 can also be found on the east side, gifted by a local benefactor—many houses didn’t have their own wells and water mains did not reach Amersham until 1910.
Photo credits: Mark Roberts
Explore more of Amersham
Ambers of Amersham
A hair and beauty studio in the historical surroundings of Old Amersham.
Chilterns Lifestyle Centre
A luxury spa with treatment facilities.
Woodside Summer Recitals
Four weekend afternoons in June, live classical music, and a beautifully simple way to spend time in Amersham.
Sueño
An independent, family-run womenswear boutique that specialises in exciting, unique and affordable collections.
Darmon Deli
French and Worldwide bistro restaurant offering an eclectic choice of Dishes, Wines and Patisseries.
Amersham Library
A public library in Amersham town centre offering an exciting range of events and services.
Pig Chill: Relaxed Summer Day at Kew Little Pigs (Adults-Only)
Unwind at Pig Chill on 26 July at Kew Little Pigs Farm, an adults-only summer event with acoustic music, food trucks, tastings, pig racing and relaxed countryside vibes.
Ben Lawrence
A modern tailoring outfitter.