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

Sunlight Wharf

Sunlight Wharf

The Sunlight Wharf building was constructed 1906 and specialised in storage of furs, silk and tinned fruit.  The last working crane on the city waterfront was operated by LEP Transport Ltd at Sunli...

Building, Commerce

1 memorial
Brandram Brothers and Co.

Brandram Brothers and Co.

Manufacturers of paint pigments, and chemicals, like white lead, saltpetre and oil of vitriol (sulphuric acid). Established in the 18th century, probably by Samuel Brandram (c.1743 -1808) who is pi...

Group, Commerce

1 memorial
Cecil Rhodes

Cecil Rhodes

Mining magnate and politician in southern Africa. Prime Minister of the Cape Colony 1890-96. As a businessman he founded the southern African territory of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe and Zambia), which ...

Person, Commerce, Politics & Administration, Race Issues

1 memorial
Bearman's Department Store

Bearman's Department Store

Opened by Frank Bearman on the site of a former vicarage. By 1906 he had purchased a nearby furniture shop, and in 1910 opened an arcade to match the larger department stores in London. It claimed ...

Building, Commerce

1 memorial
Barnet Emanuel Ltd

Barnet Emanuel Ltd

Trader at Covent Garden Market at its original site.

Group, Commerce

1 memorial

Previously viewed

Martin C. Parfett

Martin C. Parfett

Leading Fireman killed as a result of an air raid on Old Palace School, Bow, E3 on 20 April 1941. Our colleague Andrew Behan has kindly researched this man: Auxiliary Leading Fireman Martin Charle...

Person, Emergency Services

War dead non-military, WW2
1 memorial