Melton Mowbray Town Estate

The Beast market had no cross.

Beast were penned and sold on the wide pavement on the north side of Sherrard Street, known as the Beast market until 1870. In 1879 the land at Spital Leys (Scalford Road) was leased to the Local Government Board for 999 years for £50.00 per annum; and the markets were transferred here. The move to Spital Leys was of great benefit to local people as it meant that on market days Sherrard Street was no longer crowded with people, animals and the ensuing litter and mess.