Editing Headhouse Square

{{Infobox Park
| name = Headhouse Square
| image =
| image_caption = Headhouse Square and historic Shambles
| type = Historic square / Market
| location = Society Hill
| coordinates = 39.9400,-75.1470
| area = Less than 1 acre
| established = 1745 (market building)
| operated_by = Philadelphia Parks & Recreation / Market operators
| features = Historic market building, farmers market, craft fair, public space
| hours = Always open; markets on schedule
| transit = Walk from 2nd Street SEPTA stations; buses
| website = https://www.theshambles.com
}}

'''Headhouse Square''' is a historic public square in [[Society Hill]], centered on the 1805 '''Headhouse''' (fire company building) and the adjoining '''Shambles'''—Philadelphia's last surviving open-air marketplace from the colonial era. The square hosts a celebrated weekend farmers market and craft fair, continuing centuries of market tradition on this site.<ref name="headhouse">{{cite web |url=https://www.theshambles.com |title=The Shambles at Headhouse Square |publisher=The Shambles |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

Headhouse Square is Philadelphia's oldest continuously operating outdoor market site.

== History ==

=== Colonial Market ===

'''New Market''' established in 1745:
* Second public market after High Street
* Served Society Hill and Southwark
* Open-air market stalls (shambles)
* Agricultural goods and crafts

=== The Shambles ===

The '''Shambles''' (1745, rebuilt 1804):
* Long covered market building
* Open sides for vendors
* Colonial-era construction
* Rare surviving example

=== The Headhouse (1805) ===

'''Headhouse''' built for fire company:
* Engine Company No. 23
* Georgian architecture
* Cupola and bell
* Fire company headquarters

=== Market Continuity ===

Market traditions continued:
* Operated through 19th century
* Declined mid-20th century
* Revived in 1970s-1980s
* Current market since 2004

== Features ==

=== Historic Buildings ===

'''The Headhouse (1805):'''
* Georgian brick building
* Historic cupola
* National Historic Landmark
* Anchor of the square

'''The Shambles (1804):'''
* Open-air market structure
* Covered stalls
* Longest covered market building in US
* Original market function preserved

=== Farmers Market ===

'''The Shambles Market:'''
* Saturdays, May-December
* Local produce and goods
* Artisan vendors
* Prepared foods
* Live entertainment

=== Craft Fair ===

* Sundays (seasonal)
* Local artisans
* Handmade crafts
* Art and jewelry

=== Public Space ===

* Pedestrian plaza
* Historic cobblestones
* Seating areas
* Community gathering space

== Markets ==

=== The Shambles Market ===

'''When:''' Saturdays, approximately 10am-2pm, May-December

'''What to expect:'''
* Fresh produce
* Baked goods
* Prepared foods
* Local vendors
* Live music
* Family-friendly atmosphere

=== Sunday Artisan Market ===

'''When:''' Sundays, seasonal

'''What to expect:'''
* Handmade crafts
* Local art
* Jewelry and gifts
* Artisan goods

== Visiting ==

=== Hours ===

* Square: Always open
* Markets: Saturday/Sunday (seasonal)
* Check website for exact schedule

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' 2nd Street between Pine and Lombard, Society Hill

'''By Public Transit:'''
* Walk from 2nd Street SEPTA stations
* Buses to South Street or Pine Street

'''By Car:'''
* Street parking (limited)
* Nearby parking garages

=== Tips ===

* The Saturday market is the main event—arrive by 10am for best selection
* The Shambles building is historic—appreciate the architecture
* Great food options from vendors
* Combine with Society Hill walking tour
* South Street is one block north

== Nearby ==

* '''[[Society Hill]]''' — Surrounding neighborhood
* '''[[South Street]]''' — One block north
* '''[[Penn's Landing]]''' — East
* '''[[Queen Village]]''' — South
* '''[[Old City]]''' — North

== See Also ==

* [[Society Hill]]
* [[South Street]]
* [[Philadelphia Markets]]
* [[Penn's Landing]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.theshambles.com The Shambles at Headhouse Square]
* [https://www.preservationalliance.com Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia]

{{#seo:
|title=Headhouse Square Philadelphia - Historic Market & Farmers Market
|description=Guide to Headhouse Square in Society Hill. Historic 1805 Headhouse, colonial Shambles marketplace, weekend farmers market, and craft fair.
|keywords=Headhouse Square Philadelphia, Shambles Philadelphia, Society Hill market, Philadelphia farmers market, historic Philadelphia, colonial marketplace
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Society Hill]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Markets]]
[[Category:Center City]]