Situated in East London, Billingsgate Fish Market is the United Kingdom's largest inland fish market. It takes its name from Billingsgate, a ward in the south-east of the City of London, where the riverside market was originally established. In its original location in the 19th century, Billingsgate was the largest fish market in the world.[1]
Billingsgate Wharf, close to Lower Thames Street, became the centre of a fish market during the 16th and 17th centuries, but did not become formally established until an Act of Parliament in 1699.[2] In 1849, the fish market was moved off the streets into its own riverside building, designed by J.B. Bunning and built by John Jay, which was demolished circa 1873 and replaced by an arcaded market hall (designed by City architect Sir Horace Jones) and built by John Mowlem & Co. in 1875.[3] This building, known as Old Billingsgate Market, is now used as a corporate events venue.
In 1982, the fish market was relocated to a new 13-acre (53,000 m²) building complex close to Canary Wharf in Docklands. Most of the fish sold through the market now arrives there by road, from ports as far afield as Aberdeen and Cornwall. As of 2005, a review of the London wholesale markets was underway which may lead to the closure of Billingsgate (and the Smithfield meat market), as it is considered by some that it would be better to have a smaller number of markets all selling a full range of fresh produce, rather than separate specialist markets.
The infamously coarse language of London fishmongers made "Billingsgate" a byword for crude or vulgar language.[4] One of its earliest uses can be seen in a 1577 chronicle by Raphael Holinshed, where the writer makes reference to the foul tongues of Billingsgate oyster-wives.
The market is depicted during Tudor times in Rosemary Sutcliff's 1951 children's historical novel The Armourer's House.
Billingsgate Market is open from Tuesday to Saturday. Trading commences at 0500hrs and finishes at 0830hrs. Security for the market is provided by the Market Constabulary.[5]
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