Market value

Published: 10:26 AM February 20, 2008 Updated: 8:43 PM February 23, 2021

One person's junk is another person's treasure, so the saying goes, and there's nothing to beat the thrill of rooting out that special item that no one else has.Plus, you're recycling and supporting local businesses. So if you're looking for an un...

One person's junk is another person's treasure, so the saying goes, and there's nothing to beat the thrill of rooting out that special item that no one else has.Plus, you're recycling and supporting local businesses.

Words by Nancy Cremore Pictures by Kate Eastman

So if you're looking for an unusual piece to add character to your home, some Sussex-made crafts or just after the freshest food for a dinner party, look no further.Flea marketsAn old Methodist Chapel in Market Street has been home to Lewes Flea Market for the past 15 years. A true browsers' delight, every piece in this three-roomed building seems to beg closer inspection, and with cabinets crammed full and virtually every available piece of floor (and ceiling) space taken up, you may be there some time."Antiques markets can be a daunting," says manager David Skeet.

"But somehow flea markets are just more people-friendly"

From the giant stuffed bear (not for sale, unfortunately) in the foyer, to the coat of arms towering over the staircase and the yellow aeroplane hanging from the ceiling, there is certainly no pretension here. "We want it to be an interesting and fun experience for everyone," says David. So what's the most unusual item for sale at the moment? At this David is understandably stumped - pretty much everything could be classed as such. What bargains did we find?

Assorted drinking glasses were going for 50p each, a pretty stone pottery bowl was £3.50, a mahogany desk could be picked up for £68 and a beautiful Victorian pine wardrobe was £495. And the most expensive ... an ornate clock (above) on sale at £4,000.