On 25th November 1251 Henry III visited Darley Abbey while hunting. At the abbot’s request he granted Ripley a weekly market and annual fair by signing a charter later that year. These were held on what was then known as “The Green”. 

 

All roads to and from Ripley led to the Green and until the late 18th century it was a few scattered cottages with rough tracks for roads. There was also a well and a quarry. On 18th June 1742 John Wesley preached on the Green, allegedly next to a thorn tree, on his way to Sheffield. 

 

By 1828 stage coaches were passing through Ripley on their way to Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Derby and London. There was a “flying coach” that travelled quickly from Alfreton to Derby. By the 1860s these had been mostly replaced by trains. 

For generations, the market has been at the heart of life in Ripley, and today it continues to play an important role in bringing the community together. The present-day Ripley Market offers a welcoming and vibrant shopping experience, combining traditional market values with a modern mix of traders and products. 

Held in the town centre, the market provides residents and visitors with access to a wide variety of stalls, including fresh produce, food, clothing, household items, gifts, plants, and speciality products. The market supports local businesses, independent traders, and small entrepreneurs, helping to strengthen the local economy while maintaining Ripley’s strong sense of community. 

Ripley Market is more than just a place to shop. It's a social hub where people meet, chat, and enjoy the atmosphere of the town. Regular themed markets and seasonal events throughout the year help to attract visitors from across the wider area and contribute to the vitality of the town centre.