Old Spitalfields Market facts for kids
Old Spitalfields Market is a famous covered market in Spitalfields, London. A "covered market" means it has a roof, so you can shop there no matter the weather! This market has been around for more than 350 years, making it a very old and important part of London's history.
In 1991, the part of the market that sold fruits and vegetables moved to a new location in Leyton. This new place is now called New Spitalfields Market. The original site, which is what we call Old Spitalfields Market, was updated in 2005. It now has new public areas like Bishops Square and Crispin Place.
Today, Old Spitalfields Market is a busy place. It hosts different markets every day. You can find unique shops, local restaurants, and even new office buildings there. It's located in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, very close to the City of London. The easiest way to get there is by train or tube to Liverpool Street.
Market History
People have been trading goods at this spot since 1638. That's when King Charles I gave permission for people to sell meat, poultry, and vegetables. At that time, the area called Spittle Fields was mostly countryside on the edge of London.
After a short break, the market was started again in 1682 by King Charles II. He wanted to make sure the growing population of London had enough food. The market was set up on a rectangular piece of land. This land was bordered by Crispin Street, Lamb Street, Red Lion Street (now part of Commercial Street), and Paternoster Row (now Brushfield Street).
The buildings you see today were built between 1885 and 1893. They were designed by George Sherrin for Robert Horner, who was the last private owner of the market. These buildings are still known as the Horner Buildings.
In 1920, the City of London Corporation bought the market. They wanted it to be a big wholesale market, selling goods in large amounts. The market was made bigger in 1926, extending westwards to Steward Street.
As mentioned, the wholesale fruit and vegetable market moved in 1991. After that, the original site became known simply as Spitalfields Market. In 2017, the market stalls were given a new look by famous architects Foster and Partners.
Modern Market Life
Old Spitalfields Market is now a very popular spot in London. The older parts, like Horner Square and the Horner Buildings, have kept their historic charm. These buildings are "Grade II listed," which means they are important old buildings protected by law.
The old Victorian buildings, the market hall, and its roof have all been carefully restored. This has helped Spitalfields become one of London's main markets. The market square is a great place to find fashion, arts and crafts, and delicious food. It's open every day, but it gets especially busy on weekends.
In the late 1900s, there was a disagreement about how to redevelop the western part of the market. The City of London Corporation won the dispute. Now, a modern office building, designed by Norman Foster, stands on the western side. Two-thirds of the historic market were rebuilt to include new restaurants, shops, and a large indoor arts and crafts area called the Traders' Market.
Near the market, you can find a pub called The Gun. Its name reminds us of Tudor times. Back then, the area was used by the Honourable Artillery Company to practice with bows and arrows, and later with guns.
On the other side of Commercial Street, to the east, stands Christ Church. This is a large and impressive church designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor.
In January 2011, Old Spitalfields Market won an award for "Best Private Market" from the National Association of British Market Authorities.
Today, Old Spitalfields Market hosts a special vintage market every Thursday. Some Fridays, you can find a vinyl record fair. Throughout the week and on weekends, there's a general arts and crafts market, perfect for finding unique handmade items.
