Comments on: The Markets Of Old London

By: Adele

Adele — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 17:21:55 +0000

I too am fascinated by old markets. But you didn’t mention my old time favorite- Hessel St market (formerly Morgan St) off Commercial Road, where my grandparents and many immigrants shopped in the early 1900’s to the late 1950’s.

Open everyday except Saturdays (the Jewish Sabbath) it was a hive of activity, displaying everything from fresh chickens to children’s shoes. Unfortunately just a memory now, although a few Bengali shops still do trade there.

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 15:29:03 +0000

I want to be in the crush of people at the book sale. I happen to know there are some
scuffed under-foot treasures there. I can imagine bending low, inspecting some of the scattered pages, and seeing (right THERE!) a fantastic old map under the boot heel of the old gent with the walking stick. Sheesh. If he would just shuffle away, I can scoop in and secure my treasure.
(without looking too eager, of course. There is some bargaining to do here.) As a paper fanatic, I don’t want refined archival exemplars housed in wooden drawers — I am happy with grunge. The unmistakable aroma of paper and pulp, next to the open stalls selling hides — this is a market for the dedicated bargain seeker. I am there.

Thank you for this magnificent array of photos. Each one, a story.

By: Marcia Howard

Marcia Howard — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 14:19:04 +0000

I can never resist a Market, and just wish I could step back in time to visit some of those when they were still located on their original sites. And it’s not just the ones in London I love. I went to the Midnight Market in Bangkok while on holiday there some years ago, even if lots of the food was still ‘moving’ ie: bugs and other creepy crawlies; and also love the wonderful covered Arcades, especially those of Norwich in Norfolk, and the Arcades of Leeds in the north of England. The architecture there is stunning. And Borough Market in Southwark SE1 is pretty good too!!! Discovered one in Amsterdam many years ago as well, whose flower market was on par with our very own Columbia Road one.