History of the Hall

History

The Cheese and Grain provides a key link to Frome’s history as a market town. A market has existed in Frome since before the Norman Conquest and its presence has helped form the town’s cultural identity.

Here is a pictorial history of the hall, click the first image to get started.

1871 Frome and District Agricultural Society sought a new location for the livestock market, more suitable than the Market Place.

1874 Frome Market Company formed with a capital of £7,000 and purchased land between the river and Bridge Street.

1875 The New Market Hall was completed, with a siding from the Radstock branch line, which had been built in 1854, and opened for sales of cheeses and grain. The livestock market was moved from the Market Place.

1906–1914 Frome Amateur Operatic Society held performances in the Market Hall, beginning with Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Trial by Jury”.

1914–1918 The Market Hall was requisitioned for war production and used by JW Singers as a foundry for making shell-cases and fuses. The Market Hall was extended towards the river in 1918.

1919–1962 After the war the Market Hall reverted to its former use and was also used for occasional performances and trade exhibitions. Frome Market Company was bought by Frome Urban District Council in 1946.

1963 The Market Hall was sold by Frome Urban District Council and used for a succession of manufacturing and storage purposes. During the following three decades several semi-permanent extensions were added and the building used by several businesses including kitchen manufacturers and a tyre store.

1974 Local government reorganisation – ownership of Market Yard was transferred to Mendip District Council.

1996 Mendip District Council acquired the Market Hall and leased it to Frome Town Council.

1997-1998 Frome Town Council developed the building for a variety of community uses – covered markets, performances and entertainments and all the activities that had previously taken place in a much smaller timber hall near to the library.

1998 The Cheese and Grain opened for public use on Saturday 12th September.

2001 In October, problems with noise led to the building being closed for further sound-proofing and acoustic works, as well as the addition of a vast new mezzanine floor suitable for offices and brand new bar facilities.

2002 The hall reopened with a new line-up of live events and exciting new markets. Robert Plant played a secret gig in June.

2003 Management transferred to Frome Cheese & Grain Ltd, an independent charity, with a 10-year lease.

2008 The Cheese & Grain celebrated its 10th anniversary with a programme of improvements including redecoration of the exterior, a new fire exit (increasing capacity to 850), new signs and a refurbished café.

2010 Frome Cheese & Grain Ltd signed a new 30 year lease to include the main body of the building, with responsibility for internal and external repair. This enables the charity to raise funds to improve the building and develop the mezzanine space.

For more information about our future plans see Aims & Organisation

Cheese & Grain
Market Yard
Frome, Somerset
BA11 1BE
Admin (01373) 455768
Box Office (01373) 455420
office@cheeseandgrain.co.uk
www.cheeseandgrain.co.uk