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After more than 100 years, auctions run by a local family firm finally came to an end when Maxey Grounds held their last ever auctions in their hall in Chase Street, Wisbech on Wednesday 28th October 2015.
Their auctions have played an important part in the history of Wisbech and the firm had been running them since the late 1800s, starting in the Old Cattle Market. General sales were also held on “The Stones” in the Old Market Place, then progressing to a sale room being opened in the 1950s on Chapel Road and finally moving to the existing purpose-built premises in 1965 on the site of the former Wisbech Cattle market. See Link
The current auction hall has been used for several sales every week for over 50 years. Weekly auctions of nursery stock, plants, trees, bulbs and produce took place in one hall whilst, at the same time, furniture, tools, collectibles, household goods and general bric-a-brac took place in an adjoining hall. Also, seasonal poultry and vegetable auctions were held near Christmas.
Like its predecessor, the livestock market, the auction hall was more than just a sales hall but also an important social meeting place for many people from The Fens and beyond.
The rising cost of wages was given as the main reason to close the auction; however, the nearby auction hall of Clifford Cross, run by Mr Richard Barnwell, plans to increase the number of auctions his business hold, so there should still be an outlet for all the nursery stock and effects previously sold by Maxey Grounds. The mobile tea bar which sells, amongst other things, excellent bacon rolls has already been located next to Clifford Cross's auction hall.
All other areas of Maxey Grounds business will continue to trade as normal in the future, see Link