Tis the Sheep hath paid for all

Rams heads over the entrance to South Molton market.

The wealth of Exmoor lay in its sheep and wool. South Molton was a cloth making and market town, which depended on the moors to provide the raw materials for its trades. The seal and arms of the old borough of South Molton included a fleece. Until the 19th century the markets were held in Broad Street. The market hall was built in 1863 and when the railway opened sheep and cattle markets were held in a field by the station. Fat lambs were bought at Simonsbath by butchers and dealers or driven to South Molton between August and November for slaughter and carriage to London hung in special meat vans. Exmoor hill lamb was said to be of superior flavour. It was from South Molton station that the famous rabbit trains set out to supply London poulterers.