Commemorative plaque 11409

This green commemorative plaque records: The New Shambles. This lane follows an ancient path, Watt Lane, which ran through property owned in the 18th Century by the Trustees of the Market Place Chapel. It became the New Shambles in 1804, when the property was redeveloped as 12 butchers' shops. The Old Shambles, behind the Fleece Inn, was then abandoned. There were no drains from any of the many slaughter houses around the Market place at that time and although the owners paid two shillings and sixpence a week to have the lane cleaned, it soon became known as Stinking Lane. The shop on the east corner of the lane with Finkle Street was built in 1838 as a Fire Station, with arched doorways for the three-pumped engines. Recorded plaque organisation: Kendal Civic Society.

The New Shambles, established in 1804, served as a significant butchery district in the area, reflecting the local trade and urban development of the period; it was also known colloquially as Stinking Lane due to poor sanitation conditions.