In 1833, Baron de Rutzen changed the face of the weekly market in Narberth.

For centuries, goods had been sold in the Square and surrounding streets.

Now, de Rutzen created a purpose-built Market Hall where traders could sell their meat, fish, corn, vegetables, dairy goods and other articles... at a price.

He was determined that anyone who tried to avoid paying his tolls by not using the new market should be prosecuted.

In a document on display in Narberth Museum, he specifies the amount that each seller should pay. Those selling grain could pay the toll ‘By the struck toll dish.’

This was a phrase that puzzled everyone until Tim Bowen, a good friend of the museum, brought to their attention an item for sale in his June catalogue.

The dish is engraved: ‘Narberth Market imperial Winchester Bushel standard Toll dish Sep 29th 1833.’

With help from the Friends of Narberth Museum, recent donations from Andrew Rees, Butchers, and generous individual donations, the museum has been able to purchase the toll dish.

Items like this are extremely rare and the museum is pleased and proud to display it.