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The OW Shambles, Chesterfield. 
; By GEORGE BAILEY. 
the way in which a Butchers’ Market was arranged in 
the middle ages; and although they are gradually 
being taken down to make way for more modern buildings, now 
that they are no longer required, a new market having been 
erected to supersede them, still enough remains, from which a 
very good idea of their original character may be formed. They 
originally occupied four narrow passages, or alleys, intersecting at 
right angles. The central passage runs from east to west, and the 
three others from north to’ south. The three last named are 
parallel with the Market Place, and may be entered from High 
Street or Broad Pavement. The central passage runs from the 
Market Place to Packers’ Row. 
It will be seen from the accompanying sketches that the' 
buildings were constructed almost entirely of strong oaken beams, 
with the intervening spaces filled in with lath and plaster, most of 
which has now fallen out, leaving only the framework ; and that 
they were roofed with thin stone slabs, such as may often be seen 
still in use for roofing cottages in the northern parts of the county, 
where such slabs of stone are easily obtainable. It will also be 
noticed that there is some slight attempt at ornament on the heads 
and at the bases of the oriel windows; and that, in one instance, 
this is carried along in a line with the bases of the windows, 
forming a string course; but that there is not, on any of the 
