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Billingsgate Fish Market
Billingsgate, London's famous fish market became exclusively associated with the fish trade in the 1500s.
It is on the freshness of its fish that the reputation of London'd fine Fish Restaurants is based.
An Act of Parliament in 1699 made it "a free and open market for all sorts of fish whatsoever". The only exception was made for Dutch fishermen whose ells had fed the poorpeople after Great Fire.
Until the 1850s, seafood were sold from stalls around the 'hythe' or dock at Billingsgate. With the expansion of trade the first 'purpose built'Billingsgate Market building was constructed in 1850 on Lower Thames Street .This was replaced in 1873 by the Lower Thames Street building designed by Sir Horace Jones .
Billingsgate was known as Blynesgate and Byllynsgate which could have originated from the name of King Belin who reigned in 400BC .
The City of London was first granted Market Rights in 1327 by Edward III.In 1400, Henry IV granted a charter to collect tolls at Billingsate.
The market is open to the public.
Group visits can be arranged. Please send an email to Billingsgatemarket@cityoflondon.gov.uk giving as much information as possible or telephone 020 7987 1118, extension 20.
Billingsgate Market
Trafalgar Way
Poplar
London
E14 5ST
Tel 020 7987 1118
Fax 020 7987 0258
Tube
From Stratford, London Bridge & Waterloo take the Jubilee Line to Canary Wharf(10 minutes walk)
DLR
from Bank/Tower Gateway/Stratford/Beckton - to Canary Wharf (10 minutes walk) or to Blackwall (change at Limehouse)(5 minutes walk)
Road
From the City - A1100 Tower Hill - A1203 East Smithfield - The Highway - Limehouse Link Tunnel (follow signs to Royal Docks) on exit form tunnel into Aspen Way. Take the 1st slip road and follow the signs to Billingsgate Market.
From the South - A102 via Blackwall Tunnel take first exit on North side follow signs to Canary Wharf / Isle of Dogs
City Airport
By road - follow signs to City, exit onto Aspen Way flyover Junction A1206. Follow Canary Wharf signs (Billingsgate is sub-signed).
By DLR - as from Beckton above.
Market Opening Times
Tuesday to Saturday 5.00am - 8.30am
Sunday 6.00am - 8.00am (Shellfish market only - Only John Stockwell Ltd trading)
Closed Monday |
