Fishmonger facts for kids

A fishmonger carefully cutting a fish

A fishmonger is a person who sells fish and seafood. They can sell fish to other businesses (called wholesalers) or directly to people (called retailers). Today, there are fewer independent fishmongers than there used to be. Many people now buy their fish from large supermarkets. In the past, female fishmongers were often called fishwives.

History of Fishmongers in London

A painting from the 1500s showing a fishmonger's stall.

Long ago, in the City of London, fishmongers formed a special group called a guild. This guild was officially started by King Edward I in 1272. Members of the guild had to follow strict rules. For example, they could not have business partners from other countries. The guild also made sure that fish was fresh and that prices were fair.

Even with strict rules, the fishmongers' guild became very rich and powerful. After King Edward I won a big battle against the Scots, the fishmongers showed off their wealth. They put on a huge parade with a thousand knights riding horses!

When King Edward II was in charge, the fishmongers lost some of their power. A rule was even made that a fishmonger could not become the mayor of London. But this rule didn't last long. The guild continued to grow richer. When King Edward III was king, the fishmongers were able to give a large sum of money, £40, to help with the war against France. This was a lot of money back then!

Later, the guild changed its name to the Mystery of the Fishmongers of London. They were the only ones allowed to sell fish in the city. They also helped control fishing in the River Thames. At that time, the Thames had many fish, including salmon. This old guild is still around today and is one of the most important Great Twelve City Livery Companies in London.

Tools of the Trade

A fishmonger getting ready to clean and cut fish in Malé.

Fishmongers use special tools to prepare fish for their customers. Here are some of them:

• Pliers: These are used to pull out tiny bones, called pinbones, from the fish.
• Fish scaler: This tool helps remove the scales from the fish's skin quickly and easily.
• Filleting knife: This is a long, flexible knife used to carefully cut the meat (fillets) away from the bones.
• Short, strong knives: These are needed for opening tough shells of oysters and other shellfish.
• Protective gloves: Fishmongers wear these to keep their hands safe and clean.
• Curved knife: This knife is used for cleaning the inside of the fish and removing the roe (fish eggs).

Images for kids

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  The Fishmonger. A painting by Frans Snyders (1579–1657).

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  A fishmonger showing off cod steaks at a fish market in the 1500s.

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  The fishmonger. A painting by Jan Ludewick Wouters (1599-1663).

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  A fishmonger selling fish in Spain. By Henry Herbert La Thangue (1859-1929).

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  Fish seller, 1930. By Gyula Derkovits (1894-1934).

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  A fishmonger at Pike Place Market in Seattle.

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  A statue of Molly Malone, a famous fishwife from a song, in Dublin.

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  Fishmonger's Stall by Adriaen van Utrecht (1599–1652).