London Markets Leadenhall MarketLeadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market has a history stretching back over 2,000 years to the early period of Roman occupation. The first London Bridge was built by the Romans with a settlement to the north of the river and also in Lambeth. The City of Londinium flourished around
the area now known as the Monument. Late in the first century, a basilica (law court) and forum (market place) were built on the site where Leadenhall Market stands today. It was the largest market site, north of the Alps and occupied an area bigger than present day Trafalgar Square.
After the Romans upped sticks and left, much of London was left in ruins and little is known of its history throughout this period – often referred to as the Dark Ages. However, dispel any notion that it was an overnight exodus. The decay of Roman Britain took decades, with pockets holding out in the vain hope that help would be forthcoming from Rome (I imagine them standing by the windows of their villas, looking to the horizon - "Anything yet?" - "Nope. Nothing so far..."). However, by 407AD no new Roman coins were minted, suggesting the army was unpaid from this point and the structure probably collaped from continued Saxon and Barbarian raids.
The Manor of Leadenhall is first listed in 1309, and by 1321, the area - Leadenhall Manor - was established as a meeting place for poulterers (the street ‘Poultry’ located nearby, is further confirmation). They were later joined, in 1397 by cheesemongers and in 1411 the site was acquired by Richard 'Dick' Whittington, the Lord Mayor of London.
In the mid 15th century, the beam for the tronage and weighing of wool was fixed at Leadenhall Market, signifying its importance as a centre for commerce (wool was the cutting edge industry of the day and closely linked to weavers - particularly the Flemish kind - in present day Belgium and the Netherlands). In 1488 it was decreed that leather could only be sold from Leadenhall Market and in 1622, cutlery was also added to the Market's 'exclusive' list.
The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed much of the City of London, including parts of the market. Leadenhall Market was rebuilt shortly afterwards with the addition of a roof, creating a covered market for the first time. This was divided into the Beef Market, the Green Yard and the Herb Market.
A celebrated character in Leadenhall Market during the 18th century was 'Old Tom', a goose which manag
ed to escape the butcher's chopping board, despite 34,000 geese being slaughtered there in a two day period. He became a popular fixture around the market and was fed at the local inns, as he waddled from place to place with a free rein. After his death in 1835 at the age of 38 (!), he lay in state in the market and was later buried there.
The old Leadenhall Market was demolished in 1881 and redesigned by Sir Horace Jones (architect of Billingsgate and Smithfield Markets). Wrought iron and glass replaced the previous stone structure and in 1991, Leadenhall Market was extensively restored.
Leadenhall Market was the setting (in 2001) for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
Today the market is more a parade of shops, cafes and several pubs which is a popular destination for local office workers. Although it does have small amounts of market goods available (particularly food items).
For a further choice of refreshment - there's an interesting pub around the the corner - The Counting House - which has the most spectacular interior you're likely to see, on the humble pub circuit.
Leadenhall Market
1a Leadenhall Market
Gracechurch Street
London
EC3V 1LR
