Historic Market Rasen stands on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds. The name Rasen comes from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning ‘planks‘, referring to a plank bridge, which would have been used to cross the River Rase.
The town was known mostly for its Race Course until the early hours of
27 February 2008 when it was hit by one of the largest earthquakes the
UK had experienced for 24 years! Measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale the
earthquake put the town on the map. For more information about the
Market Rasen earthquake click here. Market Rasen was the smallest of the three Rasens (which included West Rasen and Middle Rasen) in area and population, for a long period. Eventually, after the railway arrived in 1848, the town acquired a market charter and became the commercial centre of the area.
The arrival of the railway in 1848 changed the face of the town physically, economically and socially. Most of the buildings date back to Georgian and Victorian times and reflect the prosperity of the town at that time.
MARKET RASEN TODAY
Market Rasen today is a traditional market town in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the gateway to the Wolds. The buildings are mainly victorian, the most impressive being the Centenery Chapel with its stone columns and brick facade.
Market Rasen provides the opportunity to discover friendly shopping in specialist shops renowned for good quality customer service. Compact and easy to explore on foot, Market Rasen offers free parking, major banks, two large supermarkets, a well known National Hunt Racecourse, a par 70 eighteen hole golf course, a thriving business park, estate agents and an assortment of great places to buy local produce as well as cafes, pubs, restaurants and quality visitor accommodation to suit all budgets.
Fame
In terms of fame, Market Rasen has made the news on a number of occasions. The title track on the world's top selling album, Thriller - Michael Jackson, was written by Rod Templeton a former pupil of De Aston School in Market Rasen whilst Bernie Taupin who was married in Market Rasen was a lyricist for Elton John.
We hope you have enjoyed our whistle stop tour of Market Rasen. There is so much more to see and experience so why not visit over the weekend of 6th and 7th June 2008 and come to the Gardeners Fair at the same time!
Market Days:
Market days are held during the week - Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 8.00 am - 4.00 pm. Specialist markets also take place at various times throughout the year. These include the successful Gardeners' Fair and Food Fair.
Weekly Auction:
Tuesday from 10.15 am
Goods (produce, household items, plants etc, received between 6am-10am. Small commission charged)
Farmers Market:
First Tuesday of each month 8.00 am-4.00 pm
Women's Institute Country Market:
(St Thomas Church Rooms)
Every Friday 8.30 am-11.00 am
Look out for special events, markets and festivals throughout the year.
The Gardeners Fair
The Passion Play
Specialist Food Fairs
are just some of the annual events on the area's calendar.
Market Rasen and its surrounding villages provide excellent starting points for exploring the Lincolnshire Wolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on foot, bike or in the car. There are many traditional pubs serving good food, village shops and picnic areas.
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