Building    From 1638 

Old Spitalfields Market

Categories: Commerce

1638 King Charles I gave a licence for flesh, fowl and roots to be sold on Spittle Fields. The market lapsed during the Commonwealth but it was re-founded in 1682 by King Charles II.

The existing buildings (east of Crispin Place) were built by Robert Horner in 1887-93, designed by George Sherrin, to house a wholesale market. He sold to the the City of London in 1920. The extension (west of Crispin Place) was built in 1926 and opened by Queen Mary 23 November 1928. From Britain from above: “The Market Annexe was designed by … Sydney Perks …. In 2003, the Market Annexe was demolished for the 'Bishop's Square' development.” During this work many human remains were found, from the cemetery that used to be on the site. These remains are stored in the Museum of London Rotunda.

In 1991 the wholesale fruit and vegetable market moved to New Spitalfields Market in Leyton and the old market was renovated. This involved the demolition of the extension in 2003 - so that's what we've chosen for our picture.

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Old Spitalfields Market

Commemorated ati

Bowler plaque - Apples and Pears

This cast-iron roundel is one of 22 - see Bowler's page for more details.

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Spitalfields Market - Horner - finished

Odd use of English, using the passive to force the subject to be the market r...

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Spitalfields Market - Horner - started

The date is almost lost in the foliage, bottom right.

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Other Subjects

Sir Francis Baring

Sir Francis Baring

Merchant and merchant banker. Born at Larkbear, Exeter. He founded the bank that bore his name with his brother John. Director of the East India company from 1779. Grandfather of Thomas and of Evel...

Person, Commerce

1 memorial
Isaac le Gooch

Isaac le Gooch

Dutch merchant and jeweller to the king. Benefactor of Latymer School. Edith Streets, discussing Linden House in Upper Mall, writes: "This is used as a sailing and rowing clubhouse, owned by the L...

Person, Benefactor, Commerce, Netherlands

1 memorial
Wimpole Street Post Office

Wimpole Street Post Office

This was at the southern end of Wimpole Street, on the east side.  The Royal Society of Medicine website tells us: "Once again 1 Wimpole Street was given a major refurbishment between 1982 – 86 ......

Building, Commerce, Property

1 memorial

Previously viewed

Dora Montefiore

Dora Montefiore

Suffragist, socialist, poet, and autobiographer. Served on executive of the NUWSS and then joined WSPU and Women’s Tax Resistance League, whose members refused to pay taxes. Born as Dorothy France...

Person, Gender Issues, Australia

1 memorial