Markets in medieval England were usually held once a week and attracted traders from within a 20 mile radius; as far as a cart could travel in a day, with time still left for trading. The right to hold a market was granted by either the Crown or a great lord. It gave the holder of the land on which the market was held the right to charge tolls on goods and fees for stores but also placed on him the obligation to maintain law and order during the day's trading.

By the early 14th century there were about 3,000 markets in England. Food was the main commodity.

By the 18th century these towns were usually well-placed on the road network and market day served as the main social gathering point for the surrounding areas. Couples often met there from villages many miles apart and married there.