There has been a market on this site since the 1600s. The name comes from a medieval hospital that was here during the 12th cent known as 'The priory of St Mary of the Spittle' which gave rise to the first part of the name of Spitalfields.
In 1886 Robert Horner, a former market porter bought the lease for the market and rebuilt it. It is now one of the best surviving Victorian Market hall in London.
In 1991 the original fruit and veg market moved from these premises to Leyton in east London. Today the market is thriving with its array of stalls, restaurants and bars.
This view shows the length of the market on the left and Christ's Church at the end built by Nicholas Hawksmoor.
Across the road from the market is the old fruit and wool exchange where the distributors would go and purchase large amounts of goods arriving from abroad. It opened in 1929 but once the market moved, so did the wholesalers and the building eventually ceased auctions of goods. After much debate, the developers have got their way and the building will be redeveloped although the frontage will still remain. Interestingly the local council has twice refused planning permission to turn the building into yet more office space but the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has stepped in and approved the planning permission!
Ahead of the decision broadcaster John Nicolson, who lives nearby, said: "Tower Hamlets have ruled twice that the building should be retained, across party lines which is most unusual.
"But Boris Johnson has this extraordinary power, he can step in and decide that he is going to act as the planning officer for any building in London.
"It's a developer's fantasy, not least because Boris Johnson has voted for the developers in 100% of cases where he's chosen to intervene."
So very cool that this old building has been preserved and is now a bustling marketplace!
ReplyDeleteInteresting to see the market, in spite of its name.
ReplyDeleteAustralia has interventionist State planning ministers who take similar actions to Boris. Council and local wishes are ignored.
Looks like an interesting market to walk around.. I like seeing all the different stalls and vendors.. Thanks for sharing, have a happy week!
ReplyDeleteWell, now I know why it is pronounced spittle-fields. Interesting that the mayor can overrule the Planning Commission and allow builders to do what they want.
ReplyDeleteGreat selection of photos to show pieces of your world for OWT ~ xxx
ReplyDeleteartmusedog and carol
I thought that the Lord Mayor was a ceremonial position; I'm surprised (and dismayed) to learn he has that much power.
ReplyDeleteLooks like such a fantastic place to wander and to buy a certain type of hat. They remind me of muffins the way they are stacked.
ReplyDeleteOh, I would LOVE to be able to go to this market and soak up the atmosphere. You are so lucky to be surrounded by such history. Thanks for bringing me along. Let it live forever and ever.
ReplyDeleteMarkets are always fun to browse huh?
ReplyDeleteOld market area, nice to know about the history part of the place.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to visit those markets. bad news about the other building going to be developed. Shame that it couldn't be restored and still used
ReplyDeleteNice shots of the market. Great place to shop.
ReplyDeleteDearest Fun60;
ReplyDeleteHello, I enjoyed seeing the market (all of ladies would love to stroll, haha) and the atmosphere in England♡♡♡ May the histrionic scene be kept!!!
Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*
What a great glimpse into the market.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty...love the vibrant colours in the markets...
ReplyDeleteGood on Boris Johnson!
ReplyDeleteAbout the nuclear conference: Japan has promised to send a great amount of nuclear waste to the USA.
Boris heading back to Parliament as an MP I hear. Look out DC!
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting place to visit ! You are an excellent travel guide !
ReplyDelete«Louis» would like to see this fine old market.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as if Boris Johnson was under the tutelage of the Democrats in Washington who are joined at the hip with developers in the U.S.... (sigh)
Another very interesting post. So many buildings and part of towns over your way have such a long history - such a contrast to my own country (Australia) where there is an extremely long Indigenous history but a very very short European history. I enjoy the contrast in reading your posts.
ReplyDeleteHi!" Nice captures. I felt weight of the history to these photographs.I like the second photo very much. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWow, the inside is bigger than I expected (looking at the outside) - love to browse at indoor markets:) Thanks for visiting my blog!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful photos! I also enjoyed your post after this one. It's like being on a walking tour myself!
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