One of my favourite places in the City of London has to be Leadenhall Market. I discovered this delightful place one day on a walkabout through the city. Leadenhall Market is a covered market in the City of London, located at Gracechurch Street, vechicular access via Whittington Avenue to the north and Lime Street to the south and east and a rabbits warren of narrow passageways.
Leadenhall Market in the City of London, a historic market that dates back to the 14th century
Leadenhall Market dates back to the 14th century stands on what was the centre of Roman London.
The ornate roof structure, painted green, maroon and cream, and cobbled floors of the current structure was designed in 1881 by Sir Horace Jones (also the architect of Billingsgate and Smithfield Markets).
The market was used to represent the area of London near The Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley in the film “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. Also featured in the films The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Hereafter, and Love Aaj Kal, it is also popular among local City workers.
The double height entrance is flanked by tall, narrow gabled red brick and Portland stone blocks in a C17 Dutch style.
Open weekdays from 7am until late, and primarily sells fresh food; among the vendors there are cheesemongers, butchers and florists. Originally a meat, game and poultry market.
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- Leadenhall Market in the City of London, a historic market that dates back to the 14th century
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- last Butcher shop in the market – note the meat hooks on the exterior
