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

John Thornton

John Thornton

Philanthropist who promoted Christian missionary work.  Died following an accident at Bath.  He is listed on the plaque as a menber of the Clapham Sect but it did not really get going until his dea...

Person, Commerce, Religion

1 memorial
William Kiffin

William Kiffin

Non-conformist minister.  Born in London.  Became rich in the wool trade.  Died in London.  Buried in Bunhill burial ground.

Person, Commerce, Religion

1 memorial
Birchin Lane drapers

Birchin Lane drapers

From Stow: "...Birchin Lane. . . . This lane, and the High Street, near adjoining, hath been inhabited for the most part with wealthy drapers; from Birchin Lane ... in the reign of Henry VI., had y...

Group, Commerce, Craft / Design

1 memorial
Admiral Duncan pub bombing

Admiral Duncan pub bombing

Well known as a gay pub, the Admiral Duncan was the site chosen by Neo-Nazi David Copeland to detonate a nail bomb which killed three people and wounded 70. Copeland, who was also responsible for ...

Event, Commerce, Community / Clubs, Food & Drink, Gender Issues, Terrorism, Tragedy

3 memorials
Saracen's Head Inn

Saracen's Head Inn

Mentioned in 1522 as an inn with 30 beds and stalls for four horses. Removed (as shown in the picture) for the formation of Holborn Viaduct and its approaches 1868.

Building, Commerce, Food & Drink

1 memorial

Previously viewed

Labour Party

Labour Party

Political party founded by Keir Hardie and others.

Group, Community / Clubs, Politics & Administration

1 memorial
Crimean War

Crimean War

War between Russia and an alliance of France, Germany, Britain, Turkey and the Kingdom of Sardinia. Major battles include those at Alma, Inkerman and Sebastopol, where they still occasionally find ...

Event, Armed Forces, Crimea, Russia, Turkey

6 memorials
BBC Television Centre - Doctor Who - Jon Pertwee

BBC Television Centre - Doctor Who - Jon Pertwee

W12, Wood Lane, BBC Television Centre - Star Terrace

The plaque on the brick wall in the picture reads: The BBC Star Terrace, "Bring me fun, bring me sunshine, bring me love" Sylvie Dee. De...

2 subjects commemorated, 2 creators
U. H. Broughton pier - south

U. H. Broughton pier - south

TW20, Windsor Road, Fairhaven Memorial Kiosks

This is a multi-part monument across two sites.   The elements at this site (kiosks and piers) used to be further to the east, possibly w...

4 subjects commemorated, 1 creator