The Shambles, or Middle row as it was once called, was the centre of the Mediaeval market area and is one of the oldest parts of Sevenoaks. In the 15th century it would have contained fish and meat stalls and in 1650 there were three butchers; in 1741 a slaughter house as well as a butcher's shop. By the 19th century various traders also lived there. The market square was re-laid in the 1990s with new paving stones and stone setts to make an attractive open space. Artists Tom Cousins and Juliet Simpson completed the refurbishment with murals depicting scenes of market activities. The Shambles alleyway leads to the square via an archway comprising earlier mediaeval buildings which are nationally listed. (1)

<1> Sevenoaks District Council, Sevenoaks District Council Local List of Heritage Assets (Index). SKE53505.