When Stockton was in the market for a new Georgian Shambles building

THE Anglo-Saxons referred to market tables or shelves as shammels.

- 

The Shambles in Stockton town centre

In medieval times, a shambles was a meat or flesh market. Livestock were butchered on site.

Trying to imagine the cacophony of sights, sounds and smells inflicted on the senses, it's not surprising that today it often describes a chaotic situation.

Following the Norman Conquest, Stockton was popular with the ruling Bishops of Durham. The town's first regeneration project included a castle, tollbooth, smithy, and a market charter.

It wasn't until things began to settle down after a couple of civil wars and Scottish invasions that a purpose-built shambles was erected in 1699.