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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Infobox Park<br />
| name = Headhouse Square<br />
| image =<br />
| image_caption = Headhouse Square and historic Shambles<br />
| type = Historic square / Market<br />
| location = Society Hill<br />
| coordinates = 39.9400,-75.1470<br />
| area = Less than 1 acre<br />
| established = 1745 (market building)<br />
| operated_by = Philadelphia Parks & Recreation / Market operators<br />
| features = Historic market building, farmers market, craft fair, public space<br />
| hours = Always open; markets on schedule<br />
| transit = Walk from 2nd Street SEPTA stations; buses<br />
| website = https://www.theshambles.com<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''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><br />
<br />
Headhouse Square is Philadelphia's oldest continuously operating outdoor market site.<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<br />
=== Colonial Market ===<br />
<br />
'''New Market''' established in 1745:<br />
* Second public market after High Street<br />
* Served Society Hill and Southwark<br />
* Open-air market stalls (shambles)<br />
* Agricultural goods and crafts<br />
<br />
=== The Shambles ===<br />
<br />
The '''Shambles''' (1745, rebuilt 1804):<br />
* Long covered market building<br />
* Open sides for vendors<br />
* Colonial-era construction<br />
* Rare surviving example<br />
<br />
=== The Headhouse (1805) ===<br />
<br />
'''Headhouse''' built for fire company:<br />
* Engine Company No. 23<br />
* Georgian architecture<br />
* Cupola and bell<br />
* Fire company headquarters<br />
<br />
=== Market Continuity ===<br />
<br />
Market traditions continued:<br />
* Operated through 19th century<br />
* Declined mid-20th century<br />
* Revived in 1970s-1980s<br />
* Current market since 2004<br />
<br />
== Features ==<br />
<br />
=== Historic Buildings ===<br />
<br />
'''The Headhouse (1805):'''<br />
* Georgian brick building<br />
* Historic cupola<br />
* National Historic Landmark<br />
* Anchor of the square<br />
<br />
'''The Shambles (1804):'''<br />
* Open-air market structure<br />
* Covered stalls<br />
* Longest covered market building in US<br />
* Original market function preserved<br />
<br />
=== Farmers Market ===<br />
<br />
'''The Shambles Market:'''<br />
* Saturdays, May-December<br />
* Local produce and goods<br />
* Artisan vendors<br />
* Prepared foods<br />
* Live entertainment<br />
<br />
=== Craft Fair ===<br />
<br />
* Sundays (seasonal)<br />
* Local artisans<br />
* Handmade crafts<br />
* Art and jewelry<br />
<br />
=== Public Space ===<br />
<br />
* Pedestrian plaza<br />
* Historic cobblestones<br />
* Seating areas<br />
* Community gathering space<br />
<br />
== Markets ==<br />
<br />
=== The Shambles Market ===<br />
<br />
'''When:''' Saturdays, approximately 10am-2pm, May-December<br />
<br />
'''What to expect:'''<br />
* Fresh produce<br />
* Baked goods<br />
* Prepared foods<br />
* Local vendors<br />
* Live music<br />
* Family-friendly atmosphere<br />
<br />
=== Sunday Artisan Market ===<br />
<br />
'''When:''' Sundays, seasonal<br />
<br />
'''What to expect:'''<br />
* Handmade crafts<br />
* Local art<br />
* Jewelry and gifts<br />
* Artisan goods<br />
<br />
== Visiting ==<br />
<br />
=== Hours ===<br />
<br />
* Square: Always open<br />
* Markets: Saturday/Sunday (seasonal)<br />
* Check website for exact schedule<br />
<br />
=== Getting There ===<br />
<br />
'''Location:''' 2nd Street between Pine and Lombard, Society Hill<br />
<br />
'''By Public Transit:'''<br />
* Walk from 2nd Street SEPTA stations<br />
* Buses to South Street or Pine Street<br />
<br />
'''By Car:'''<br />
* Street parking (limited)<br />
* Nearby parking garages<br />
<br />
=== Tips ===<br />
<br />
* The Saturday market is the main event—arrive by 10am for best selection<br />
* The Shambles building is historic—appreciate the architecture<br />
* Great food options from vendors<br />
* Combine with Society Hill walking tour<br />
* South Street is one block north<br />
<br />
== Nearby ==<br />
<br />
* '''[[Society Hill]]''' — Surrounding neighborhood<br />
* '''[[South Street]]''' — One block north<br />
* '''[[Penn's Landing]]''' — East<br />
* '''[[Queen Village]]''' — South<br />
* '''[[Old City]]''' — North<br />
<br />
== See Also ==<br />
<br />
* [[Society Hill]]<br />
* [[South Street]]<br />
* [[Philadelphia Markets]]<br />
* [[Penn's Landing]]<br />
<br />
== References ==<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
== External Links ==<br />
<br />
* [https://www.theshambles.com The Shambles at Headhouse Square]<br />
* [https://www.preservationalliance.com Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia]<br />
<br />
{{#seo:<br />
|title=Headhouse Square Philadelphia - Historic Market & Farmers Market<br />
|description=Guide to Headhouse Square in Society Hill. Historic 1805 Headhouse, colonial Shambles marketplace, weekend farmers market, and craft fair.<br />
|keywords=Headhouse Square Philadelphia, Shambles Philadelphia, Society Hill market, Philadelphia farmers market, historic Philadelphia, colonial marketplace<br />
|type=Article<br />
}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Parks]]<br />
[[Category:Society Hill]]<br />
[[Category:Historic Sites]]<br />
[[Category:Markets]]<br />
[[Category:Center City]]</div>
Gritty