The historic Covered Market, packed with shops run by independent traders, is sometimes described as Oxford’s ‘jewel in the crown’.

Here we feature archive photos of some of the traders and their stalls over the years.

During the pandemic, and the lockdowns that followed, traders rallied to help shoppers combat the virus by setting up a delivery service.

Oxford Mail:

Staff at Bonners fruit and veg stall led the way after their wholesale orders dropped off.

Read again: Bookshop selling beer is opening at Covered Market

Now, it's much more like business as usual in the market, with more international tourists returning to the city after all restrictions were lifted.

At the start of the year, four empty units in the market were transformed into pop-up shops for retailers.

Oxford Mail:

The short-term use of these spaces is part of the ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire’ programme, commissioned by market landlords the city council and delivered by Makespace Oxford, which seeks to re-use space in Oxfordshire’s urban centres.

The arrangement, was set to end last month but it is understood the businesses are expected to stay on for longer.

Oxford Mail:

Read again: Wood-fired pizzas at new market pizzeria

They are Ducky Zebra, a start-up creating colourful, sustainable clothing for children; Y.O.U Underwear, a social enterprise making a difference selling sustainable, organic underwear with a focus on ethical supply chains; The Woolhound, an independent yarn and craft store; and Headington Fair Trade, a shop selling ethical and fairly-traded food, homewares, stationery and more.

Oxford Mail:

Read more: Y.O.U underwear shop wants to stay in Covered Market

Other new arrivals at the market include Gulp Fiction, a bookstore also selling beer, and a new pizzeria called Sartorelli's, being run from the former Nash's bakery.

Oliver Mason, who runs the bookshop, has thanked customers for their support so far, after opening in February.

There is room to expand upstairs later in the year, if the shop needs more space for tables.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok

Got a story for us? Send us your news and pictures here

List an event for free on our website here