How Historic London Shoppers’ Markets Get Global

by
Julien Renault

The Past to the Future

Markets are a particular feature of London which gives the city something vibrant, something that you cannot feel without living it. Have you ever asked yourself where London’s oldest market is – where it all began? Let’s go down memory lane, let’s turn back the wheels of time and return to the past.

When did it start? The first London market was set up around 1680. That’s pretty dated, isn’t it? Anyway, who started it? Sir Edward Hungerford had been authorized to hold a market three days a week who then gave his name to the market calling it ‘Hungerford market’.

Where was it? It was set up at the stretch on a street called the Strand going from Trafalgar Square to the Temple Bar, near the current Charing Cross station which by the way opened in 1864. It was not an open market but a covered one, housed in two different buildings. One has to wonder if the weather in London was similar back then – did it rain in the summer – maybe it did!

What did they sell? Basically grain was sold in the market. Well, it’s not very exciting when you think of the authentic and unique items you can grab now, but there’s a first time for everything — such as the groovy vintage fashion of Oh, I’m So THEA.

The future: London had already demonstrated that she has a real flair for wares much to the delight of everyone. What’s more? Now there are about 70 markets in London – large and small, established and fledgling. Good thing is – now it can all be found in one place – myMzone. myMzone is a savvy collective who noticed our love for London’s market culture and developed it to a globally inclusive level, effectively bringing the quirky markets of Camden Market, Spitalfields, Portobello, Bricklane, Sunday Up Market and many more to our front doors.

Thank you, Julien. More small local businesses could find solutions like that.

–ME “Liz” Strauss
Work with Liz on your business!!