Sunday, November 01, 2015

Old Billingsgate Market

London The Unfinished City
Old Billingsgate Fish Market.

Sunday November 1, 2015.

I had seen this building from the south bank, and had always been fascinated by it. 

So, on a remarkably warm November afternoon, as I was walking along the north bank, I found myself in front of this remarkable building. 

One of the first things that struck me were its arches and ornate ironwork.

London The Unfinished City
A Free and Open Market for all sorts of fish whatsoever.


Brief History

Originally, Billingsgate Fish Market began on the streets of London, established by a 1699 Act of Parliament to be "a free and open market for all sorts of fish whatsoever". Fruits and vegetables were also sold, along with the staples of the day, like coal and salt.

In 1849 the fish market moved into its own riverside building, where it would stay until 1873, when the building was demolished. 

A new building, designed by Horace Jones, which was more of an arcade market hall, would then become the home of Billingsgate Fish Market, until 1982, when it would move, yet again, to its current location in Canary Wharf.


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