As the Deputy Chairman for Markets I now take part in 6 market visits a year, 2 each to Spitalfields, Smithfield and Billingsgate.
This latest visit was to the fruit and vegetable (and flower) market. A vibrant place of fast moving forklift trucks and an amazing range of food from around the world.
Spitalfields takes its name from the hospital and priory, St. Mary's Spittel that was founded in 1197. Lying in the heart of the East End. It was in a field next to the priory where the now famous market first started in the thirteenth century.
Spitalfields had been relatively rural until the Great Fire of London. By 1666, traders had begun operating beyond the city gates – on the site where today’s new Spitalfield market stands. The landmark Truman’s Brewery opened in 1669 and in 1682 King Charles II granted John Balch a Royal Charter giving him the right to hold a market on Thursdays and Saturdays in or near Spital Square.
In 1920 the City of London acquired direct control of the market, extending the original buildings eight years later. For the next 60 years, Spitalfields' nationwide reputation grew, as did the traffic congestion in the narrow streets around it. With no room for the expansion it so badly needed, the market was forced to move and in May 1991 it opened its doors at its new location in Leyton, east London.
It was to this modern site close to the Olympic/Queen Elizabeth park that I went. The market is at full capacity, and I spoke with traders about the future, their needs and hopes. A fascinating visit, and I look forward to my next.