3-071-160 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Masquerading market folk at the opening of the Southport Market-Hall, 1881. 'On Wednesday of last week, the town was enlivened by much festivity, upon the occasion of the opening of the new markets by the Earl of Derby. The market was gaily decorated, and the stallkeepers or market-women were attired in masquerade costumes of the olden time. In declaring the market open, the Earl of Derby sketched the rise and progress of Southport, and said that in the forthcoming redistribution of Parliamentary seats Southport would desire to be considered'. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.