Description: From medieval times, right through the 1920`s a Saturday market was held in Nottingham's 'great Market Place', as well as the October 'Goose Fair' which, in the 19th. Century became a fun fair. Street names like The Poultry, Cheapside and Beastmarket Hill recall the use of the area as a market. By the 17th. Century, a group of buildings existed at the High Street end which included butchers and other shops, plus shambles, public houses and exhibition booths. The stone for the 'Market Square' (except for the paving stones which are silex stone) is Portland stone, from the Isle of Portland, off the south coast of Dorset; the quarry had been used by Christopher Wren when engaged on St. Paul's Cathedral, London, and other churches elsewhere. One piece of stone, lying on the shore, left by Wren, was brought to Nottingham and used as the key stone of the centre arch of the front loggia of the Council House. Should you happen to be within close proximity of the dome of the Council House, on the hour, you will hear the strong toll of 'Little John' the striking bell which is reputed to be the deepest toned bell in the country; it weighs two and a half tons.