This view of Old Market covers a lot of Nailsworth's history.

Originally, the only link between Lower Nailsworth, (today's George St area, formerly in Minchinhamption and Avening Parishes) and "Upper Nailsworth", (The Market Street area then in Horsley Parish) was the A46, today's Fountain Street. The Nailsworth U.D.C gradually bought up the private land which formerly included Day's Mill pond, The Cattle Market site and the backs of many shops, until in 1964 after demolishing one of several Cossack Square pubs, "The New Road" (now Old Market) was built. The area covered developed in the seventies with the help of the Private Sector who were responsible for the shops; Bruton's who moved from their premises in Cossack Square. The County Council with the Library and the legacy from local "Billy" Mortimer which enabled The Gardens and Mortimer Room.

The Fountain

The Fountain was erected in 1862 by public subscription in memory of William Smith who, along with his nephew A.E Smith, founded the firm of solicitors which serves us today. William worked to try and obtain a supply of drinking water, previously obtained from springs.

When the cattle market in Springhill which was owned by a limited company closed down, Dr. A.B.Pavey Smith great nephew of William Smith gave his share of land to the Nailsworth UDC, specifically for free car parking and to provided a permanent site for his uncle's memorial.

Day's Mill

The Davis family who run Day's Mill are the longest surviving traders in Nailsworth having arrived in 1892. Today's straight stream is part of an extensive flood prevention scheme which has cured the disaster level floods from which the town previously suffered. The tree at the entrance to the bus station area was one of two planted by Princess Anne shortly after she came to live locally, in celebration of her mother's silver jubilee.