Celebration of Billingsgate Market’s history at the City of London Heritage Gallery
The City of London Heritage Gallery is currently hosting a celebration of the rich history of Billingsgate Market, one of London’s most famous and longstanding markets, located in the core of the Square Mile.
Originally noted in John Stow’s 1603 “Survey of London” as a lively riverside market teeming with ships carrying a variety of merchandise such as fresh and salted fish, fruits, and vegetables, Billingsgate Market has since been integral in the development and sustenance of the City. Owned by the City of London Corporation, the market has continuously played a crucial role.
The Heritage Gallery, situated within the Guildhall Art Gallery, offers a distinctive setting to showcase significant documents, books, images, and maps from the rich collections of the London Metropolitan Archives in Clerkenwell. Among the exhibits related to Billingsgate Market are:
- The Liber Horn, created by Andrew Horn in 1311, which includes a collection of charters, statutes, and customs, adorned with small fish illustrations highlighting their significance to London’s populace.
- A petition from the late 17th century by fishermen against the obstruction caused by large vessels carrying salt and oranges, demanding a clear dock for better access.
- Records from the 19th century detailing toll collections and the licensing of porters, alongside a print of the market’s design by Sir Horace Jones.
- Photographs from the 20th century capturing the bustling market and its hardworking porters.
Munsur Ali, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage, and Libraries Committee, emphasized Billingsgate Market’s long-standing service to Londoners and the nation, supplying fresh fish and shellfish, making it fitting to honor the market’s legacy with heritage items.
As Billingsgate Market prepares for a promising future relocation to a new, purpose-built site at Dagenham Docks alongside Smithfield Market, this exhibit aims to attract history and heritage enthusiasts, as well as those connected to the market, past, present, and future.
Henry Pollard, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Markets Board, expressed delight in the acknowledgment and commemoration of Billingsgate Market’s history, looking forward to its future development.
The City of London Corporation, owner of three historic wholesale food markets (Billingsgate for fish, New Spitalfields for fruits, vegetables, and flowers, and Smithfield for meat), plays a key role in London’s food supply chain. As a major supporter of heritage and cultural activities in the UK, the Corporation annually invests over £130 million in various cultural and heritage institutions, including the Barbican Centre, Tower Bridge, and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, among others.
The exhibition on Billingsgate Market is open to the public free of charge until 16 May.