The covered market in Oxford’s High Street has a long and interesting history. It was designed by architect John Gwynn, the creator of Magdalen Bridge, and opened its doors for the first time in 1772. It was built in an attempt to keep the messy market traders off the main part of Oxford High Street, thus creating a cleaner and tidier thoroughfare. The market quickly grew; housing butchers, bakers, fruit and vegetable traders and in more recent times boutique style shops and stalls selling more exotic produce from around the world.