Did you know that “Billingsgate” once meant crude language? We are standing in front of the famous Billingsgate Market. It has a rich history dating back centuries. Today, we explore the market’s past and present.
Billingsgate Market started as a general market. It sold corn, coal, and even pottery. By the 16th century, it specialized in fish. In 1699, Parliament declared it a free market for all fish. Dutch fishermen had special permission to sell eels. This was a reward for helping London during the Great Fire.
The market was originally near Lower Thames Street. By the mid-19th century, a dedicated building was needed. The first Billingsgate Market building appeared in 1850. It was soon too small. A new, larger market was built in 1877. Sir Horace Jones designed it.
The railways changed how fish arrived. By the late 1800s, most fish came by train. The Great Eastern Railway was crucial.
Billingsgate’s fishmongers became known for their coarse language. The name “Billingsgate” became synonymous with vulgarity. Rosemary Sutcliff mentioned the market in her novel. George Orwell and the Kray twins worked here.
In 1982, Billingsgate Market moved to Poplar. It is now near Canary Wharf. The City of London still runs the market. They pay the London Borough of Tower Hamlets a symbolic rent of one fish per year. Most fish arrive by road now. They come from ports all over the UK.
Trading at Billingsgate Market is an early affair. It starts at 4 a.m. and ends at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday to Saturday. The Market Constabulary provides security.
Licensed fish porters were once the only ones allowed to move fish. Their role was officially recognized in 1632. The porters’ role ended after a dispute in 2012.
There were plans to move Billingsgate, New Spitalfields Market and Smithfield Market to Dagenham Dock. These plans were later cancelled in November 2024.
Artist Pat Wingshan Wong created an art project at Billingsgate. She bartered drawings for stories and objects. This captured the memories of the market community. Some fishmongers framed her drawings. The London Museum now has these collected stories and objects.
One fishmonger Wong met was once a banker. He preferred the fish market for its lack of politics. Bobby, another fishmonger, had worked at the market his entire life.
The planned move to Dagenham impacted the stories Wong collected. Some fishmongers would retire after the move. Others worried about the loss of community.
Billingsgate Market has a fascinating past. From its coarse language to its dedicated porters. It continues to be a vital part of London’s fish trade.