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.

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.

Read More

Spitalfields Market - Horner - finished

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

Read More

Spitalfields Market - Horner - started

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

Read More

Other Subjects

White Horse Cellars at Hatchett's Hotel

White Horse Cellars at Hatchett's Hotel

This building is still at 66-68 Piccadilly, on the north-east of the junction with Dover Street.  Architect: Weatherley and Jones. From British History (written in 1878, just 10 years before Selby...

Building, Commerce, Food & Drink, Transport

1 memorial
Reeves & Sons Ltd

Reeves & Sons Ltd

Artists' colour manufacturer. Established by William Reeves (1739–1803). It has had a number of names, always including "Reeves" until ownership passed to Wilhelm Becker, through Colart Fine Art an...

Group, Art, Commerce, Industry

1 memorial
Tom Thornton

Tom Thornton

Newspaper proprietor and campaigner. Born in Norwood. He became owner and editor of the Beckenham Journal, and used his influence in helping to establish the Croydon Road Recreation Ground. His pre...

Person, Commerce, Community / Clubs

1 memorial
Freedom Press

Freedom Press

Anarchist publishing house in Whitechapel. Co-founded by Peter Kropotkin as an outlet and meeting place for the radical and anarchist thinkers of the day and has operated, with short breaks, ever s...

Group, Commerce, Community / Clubs, Politics & Administration

3 memorials
Bedford Tavern

Bedford Tavern

Famous for the balloon ascents from its Tea Gardens.

Place, Commerce, Food & Drink

1 memorial