Ever wondered where Charlie Chaplin might have found inspiration? Welcome to East Street Market. It is also known as “The Lane” or “East Lane” by locals. Today, we will explore the vibrant history of this Walworth market.
East Street Market has been a hub of activity since the 16th century. Farmers once rested their livestock here before heading into the city. Officially, the market has been running since 1880. Imagine the scene. Drovers selling produce directly to locals. This marked the beginning of a bustling marketplace.
Back in the 17th century, this area was mostly rural fields. By the 18th century, things began to change. A legal document from 1780 describes the creation of East Street. It connected Walworth Road with the Kent Road. London was expanding rapidly in the 1800s. The old markets moved onto Walworth Road. Vegetable sellers joined by various traders created a vibrant atmosphere.
However, the arrival of the electric tram in 1875 disrupted everything. Negotiations led to the market splitting up. It moved into side streets like Westmoreland Road and East Lane. Draper Street disappeared under the Elephant and Castle development in the 1960s.
Originally, traders had no allocated plots. A policeman would blow a whistle at 8 am. Then traders would rush to claim the best spots. Shop owners claimed the patches outside their doors. This chaotic system ended in 1927 with the introduction of licensing. The Second World War saw many local men called up. The market declined.
In 1948, it was described as “a drab, dead thing”. But East Street Market survived. It evolved with the times. The population diversified. So did the goods on offer. Now, you can find Caribbean food, ethnic clothing, and household goods alongside traditional produce.
East Street may have been the birthplace of Charlie Chaplin. Some believe it inspired his film “Easy Street”. His famous tramp costume may have come from everyday clothes he saw here. The market even appears in the title sequence of “Only Fools and Horses”.
Today, East Street Market offers an eclectic mix of goods. You can find inexpensive clothing, jewellery, and cosmetics. Household products, confectionery, and fruit are also available. CDs, DVDs, shoes, bags, hats, and books line the stalls. Meat and fish are sold here. The fresh food ranges from cassava to courgettes. Durian fruit, eel, sheep heads, and cow hooves are all on offer.
The market is open every day except Monday. Saturday is the busiest day. Over 250 stalls fill the street, including a weekly plant market. A small flea market operates on Sundays. It is located near Nursery Row Park.
East Street Market lies between two parliamentary constituencies. It is represented by two members of parliament. Similarly, it sits between two wards in the London Borough of Southwark. This means it is represented by six councillors.
Southwark is ethnically diverse and youthful. The market reflects this diversity. Southwark has the highest proportion of African-born residents in the UK. Over 120 languages are spoken here.
East Street Market celebrated its centenary in 1980. Despite not being officially inaugurated, the celebration marked its long history. The market has transformed over the centuries. It remains a vital part of the Walworth community. Its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings make it a must-see destination. This is East Street Market.