8. Gatwards

20 – 21 Market Place, SG5 1DU

James Gatward opened his doors for business in 1760. He and his son Benjamin were watch and clock-makers. Seven generations later, Gatwards is still a family concern; the oldest family jewellers in the UK. The timber framed medieval building, Grade II listed, may originally have been a drovers’ inn. Its cellars at one time extended under the Market Place, but these were long ago filled in, following security concerns. The building abounds in inglenook fireplaces, eight staircases and intriguing nooks and crannies.

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