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Former cattle mart, closed in 1986 and now in use as a heritage centre. The mart was originally built in 1904 to 1905 and comprised an arrangement of interlinked timber structures clad with beaded vertical timber boarding, and with pitched roofs. The former mart has operated as a local heritage museum since 1991. The principal elevation has a low, lean-to range with single-glazed timber sash and case windows. The main hall has a grey slate roof with top-lights and a central ornamental ridge vent. There is a tall and narrow chimney to the south elevation. The mid-19th century waterwheel attached to the north elevation was donated to the museum in 1993. Three interlinked former cattle sheds or byres extend to the rear, with roofs covered with metal sheeting. The rainwater goods are mainly cast iron. There is a rear yard with access to an enclosed grass field to the west. The interior retains its large livestock presentation hall with timber sale ring and tiered bench seating for around 200 people. The ring incorporates an auctioneers' rostrum, timber cattle gates accessing the rear sheds, and a water-balanced scale and weighbridge (1905) by Henry Pooley and Son Ltd, Birmingham. To the front of the building, a run of sales offices flank both sides of a wide central corridor with top lights. The offices have full-height timber panelling. There is a masonry fireplace within the kitchen room to the south. The floors are poured concrete.
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Historic Environment Records (HER)