Headhouse Square
| Headhouse Square | |
|---|---|
| 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 | Official Site |
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.[1]
Headhouse Square is Philadelphia's oldest continuously operating outdoor market site.
History
[edit | edit source]Colonial Market
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]The Shambles (1745, rebuilt 1804):
- Long covered market building
- Open sides for vendors
- Colonial-era construction
- Rare surviving example
The Headhouse (1805)
[edit | edit source]Headhouse built for fire company:
- Engine Company No. 23
- Georgian architecture
- Cupola and bell
- Fire company headquarters
Market Continuity
[edit | edit source]Market traditions continued:
- Operated through 19th century
- Declined mid-20th century
- Revived in 1970s-1980s
- Current market since 2004
Features
[edit | edit source]Historic Buildings
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]The Shambles Market:
- Saturdays, May-December
- Local produce and goods
- Artisan vendors
- Prepared foods
- Live entertainment
Craft Fair
[edit | edit source]- Sundays (seasonal)
- Local artisans
- Handmade crafts
- Art and jewelry
Public Space
[edit | edit source]- Pedestrian plaza
- Historic cobblestones
- Seating areas
- Community gathering space
Markets
[edit | edit source]The Shambles Market
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]When: Sundays, seasonal
What to expect:
- Handmade crafts
- Local art
- Jewelry and gifts
- Artisan goods
Visiting
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Square: Always open
- Markets: Saturday/Sunday (seasonal)
- Check website for exact schedule
Getting There
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- Society Hill — Surrounding neighborhood
- South Street — One block north
- Penn's Landing — East
- Queen Village — South
- Old City — North
See Also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "The Shambles at Headhouse Square". The Shambles. Retrieved December 30, 2025