The pride and symbol of Llanidloes, the Old Market Hall is the most distinctive building in the town. It is the only surviving timber-framed market hall in Wales. As recent tree-ring dating has proved, the present Hall was built at some time between 1612 and 1622. But some of the timbers used in its construction are older than the building, dating from the mid-16th century: they may well have been recycled from an earlier market hall which is known to have existed in Llanidloes.
Originally knows as the 'Booth Hall' from the market stalls or 'booths' which stood beneath and around it, the hall was the focus of Llanidloes markets until the early 20th century.
Its upper storey also played many other parts during its long career. Law courts were held there and the area of the present staircase was divided off as the town "lock-up".
Religious groups including Quakers, Baptists, Independents and Methodists used it for meetings and John Wesley preached here several times: in 1749 addressing a large congregation from the "Wesley Stone" now outside the north-west corner.
Later it became a store for flannel - an important mid-Victorian Llanidleos product - and then a "Working Men's Institute".
Extensively restored and altered in 1957-59, it served as Llanidloes Museum between 1933 and 1995.
