Following the First Siege of Heaton in 297, Heaton was in shambles, yet also found itself to be the new capital of a fledgling empire. A couple of blocks of houses in the middle of town had been destroyed to make space for a Shattered Spear military camp. Now, the survivors of the siege roamed the camp - not to plunder, but to gather supplies and share. The remnants of the camp were cleared out, and this large opening became host to the first official Daily Grand Market of Heaton, and has been going ever since.
The people of Heaton found solace, entertainment, and distraction in the newly found market. It is often spoken about in terms of endearment.
In the years after the First Siege, the market was paved. Besides the regular dark granite stones, small plaques of bronze can be found, the names once engraved in them long worn away. Each plaque represents a fallen soldier, in both the War of Shield and Spear, and conflicts for the freedom of Erenen since.
A citizen-led foundation takes care of the Grand Market, with funding from the King. They hire cleaners to keep the square tidy, and arrange for new bronze plaques to be placed, should it be necessary.
Nowadays, it is seen as a center point to public life in Heaton, with the notice boards providing work, the markets showing off goods from distant lands, and many a festival and ceremony being hosted here.