O’Neills fruit and veg stall has served its last customers at Wokingham market.
The family-run business ended its long-standing tenure at the Market Place venue last weekend. Wokingham Today understands the decision was due to a decline in business over the past months. The business will continue to operate from other nearby markets.
Wokingham’s story as a true market town officially began in the bitter cold of January 1219. King Henry III was just a boy of 13 when the Bishop of Salisbury negotiated the right to hold a Tuesday market. The price paid to the young king for the privilege? Just a riding horse.
By 1227, as Henry III came of age, this arrangement was formalised into a Royal Charter granted to the Bishop of Salisbury, Richard Poore. The revenue generated from our town’s busy market didn’t just stay local; it was used to help fund the construction of the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral.
Several incorrect posts on social media suggested the entire market operation was coming to an end.
Wokingham town council, which operates the market, is understood to be seeking an alternative fruit and veg supplies. Anyone interested can contact them for more information.
O’Neills and Wokingham town council have been approached for comment.
