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"A large Watergate, Port or Harbrough for shippes and boats, commonly arriuing there with fish, both fresh and salt, shell fishes, salt, Orenges, Onions, and other fruits and rootes, wheate, Rie, and garine of diuers sorts …"
That's John Stow's description of Billingsgate Market in the early 17th century; in fact an official fish market was in operation in the City in the 14th century, as you'll discover at Guildhall Art Gallery's latest exhibition, which features Liber Horn — a compilation of charters, statutes and customs made by the Chamberlain of the City in 1311, that's illustrated with small fish.
Other objects on display at the free show — running seven days a week from now until May 2024 — include a 17th century petition by the fishermen protesting at being "... hindered and oppressed by great vessels loaded with salt and oranges..." thanks to the bustling fish market at that time; a print of Sir Horace Jones' market building, which opened in 1875; and 20th century photographs of a busy market and of porters plying their trade.
Billingsgate Market has been in Poplar, east London, since 1982, but will soon move to a new home in Dagenham, along with Smithfield meat market, and — at some point — New Spitalfields fruit and veg market.
Billingsgate Market exhibition, City Heritage Gallery, Guildhall, until 16 May 2024, free
