Leadenhall Market
Plumb in the middle of the City, Leadenhall Market with its glass roof and cobbled alleys is a favourite with tourists and City workers alike. Just south of Leadenhall Street between Gracechurch Street and Lime Street the market has a wide variety of shops with quality meat and fish well represented. There are also many fashionable shops and chic cafes.
Right in the market, the Lamb Tavern is popular with City workers (the Lloyd's building and Stock Exchange are adjacent)at lunch time and in the evening - but don't forget, like the market, it's closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
The market has a long history with a meat and fish market operating on the site in the 14th century. As early as 1397 cheesemongers bringing their produce from the surrounding countryside were obliged to take their wares to Leadenhall. In 1666, the market was partially destroyed by the Great Fire of London. The market as it is now was designed by the City's architect, Horace Jones, designed the present wrought iron and glass-roofed buildings.
The City of London website records the following story: "A celebrated character in Leadenhall during the 18th century was 'Old Tom', a gander which managed to escape execution even though it is recorded that 34,000 geese were slaughtered there in two days. He became a great favourite in the market and was fed at the local inns. After his death in 1835 at the age of 38, he lay in state in the market and was buried there." |
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