Pitsea Market – Page 2: The Famous Domes and Their Traders

The New Market Opens – 19 February 1969

The second Pitsea Market opened on 19 February 1969 on the south side of the High Road, on land known as Howard's Field. The move was intended to keep the market operating while major roads were constructed through the old Station Lane area.

The new site was extraordinary. Four steel-framed domes, labelled A, B, C and D, each measured about 80 feet across and around 30 feet high. Together they could accommodate 172 stalls. A car park with space for roughly 300 vehicles was also provided. Dome A was permanently covered and was particularly associated with food trading; it also contained a canteen.

Dome A – Food, Fashion and Fabrics

Surviving trader records provide an unusually detailed snapshot of the businesses operating within the domes. Dome A included a mixture of textiles, clothing and food:

• P. Fishman – fabrics, wool, cotton and remnants.
• Renee – stockings and tights.
• J. Mayer – dress materials, linings and piecegoods.
• S. Davis – materials.
• Mr and Mrs Moore – ladies' and gentlemen's wear and swimwear.
• S. Cohen – bridal and evening wear.
• Mrs P. L. Coleby – children's wear, tights and socks.
• Barry's Grocery Store – groceries.
• A. D. Mackenzie – greengrocery and fresh fruit.
• J. S. Brown – butchery.
• Arthur Sharp and Sons – fish.
• A. J. Kimber – café and snacks.

Dome B – Clothing, Toys and Household Goods

• J. Jimmick – remnants and materials.
• F. B. Lane – fancy goods, paperware and key cutting.
• W. J. Manley & Co. Ltd. – housecoats, overalls, stockings and materials.
• F. W. Kerry – confectionery.
• S. Van Proagh – coats and dresses.
• Feldman – remnants.
• S. Cohen – textiles and trimmings.
• R. Kindler – toys, novelties and fancy goods.
• Mary & Harry Ikin – toiletries and household goods.
• A. Glen – men's and boys' clothing.
• Mrs J. Rush – new and second-hand clothing.
• A. Krisman – coats and dresses.

Dome C – Haberdashery, Hardware and Produce

• P. Everett – fur fabrics and covers.
• Rondeau, “The Sixpenny Wool Lady” – wool.
• “Joyce Jewels” – jewellery.
• M. Manheim – woollens and linings.
• R. J. Oakes – haberdashery and drapery, including zips, lace and buttons.
• P. F. Larman – electrical goods, hardware, tools and fancy goods.
• R. Statham – fresh fruit and salads.
• M. C. Cohen – groceries, provisions and canned goods.
• Alf Cohen and Sons – a forecourt stall offering miscellaneous bargain goods.
• W. Wiseman – ladies' and gentlemen's wear.
• M. Hickman – floor coverings and cloth.
• “Monty” – dresses and coats.
• Schoab – knitwear and underwear.
• S. Greenbaum / Talza – millinery.
• A. J. Bacon – household goods.

Dome D – Fashion, Pets, China and Electrical Goods

• S. Makloaf – carpets, rugs and pictures.
• Mrs M. Braham / Millies of Basildon – ladies' wear.
• Mrs J. M. Joyce – children's wear and fabrics.
• H. R. Prested – pet foods and bird seed.
• Max – ladies' and gentlemen's wear and nylon shirts.
• H. Lucas – men's wear, leathercloth, bags and repairs.
• C. L. Bugbee – children's clothing including coats, dresses, capes and trouser suits.
• C. Stamp – china, glass, toys, hardware and linen.
• Mrs G. Hardy – electrical goods and lampshades.
• H. Tidswell – gentlemen's wear and fur fabric.

More Than an Indoor Market

At first the Wednesday and Saturday market operated within the domes. Permission was later given for conventional outdoor stalls as well, increasing the familiar open-market atmosphere. The domes protected much of the trading from the weather while the outside pitches allowed the market to expand beyond the structures themselves.

Although remembered as a major feature of Pitsea, the domed site was always connected to a period of rapid redevelopment. By the mid-1970s further changes were being planned and the market was preparing to move again.