HISTORY OF GREENWICH MARKET
There has been a market at Greenwich since the 14th century, but the history of the present market dates from 1700 when a charter to run two markets, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, was assigned by Lord Romney to the Commissioners of Greenwich Hospital for 1000 years.
Greenwich Market sits within the Island Site, the name we use for the area bounded by College Approach, Greenwich Church Street, King William Walk and Nelson Road. The island site was established in 1827-1833 under the direction of Joseph Kay. Later significant phases of development occurred in 1902-8; in 1958-60 and during the 1980’s. The current roof dates from 1902-08 and the buildings on either side of the market from 1958-60.
The key points in the history are:
- 1827-1833 – Rebuilding of the Market by Joseph Kay
* Cobbled market composed of three linked buildings with three separate wrought iron and timber supported slate roofs.
* The surrounding buildings were an arrangement of 24 units in uniform terraces to the east and west of the market buildings, with basements, ground floor shops and two storeys of living accommodation above.
- 1905-1908 – Market improvements undertaken including a new roof, floor re-paved and conversion of some shops into warehouses
- 1944 – Flying bombs cause extensive damage in Greenwich. The market lost its roof covering in the blasts but the houses on King William Walk suffered more serious damage, four houses in the terrace next to the market were completely destroyed. Houses on the north side of College Approach were also seriously damaged.
- 1951 – The market is firmly established as a wholesale market. The market buildings had ground floor salesrooms and stores, with first floor offices and living accommodation above, mainly for market employees.
- 1952 – Approval in principle for reconstruction of the Market which was near the end of its useful life.
- 1957-1960 – The old shops around market place were demolished and replaced with 3 storey brick terraces which comprised 22 warehouses. The steel structure of the market roof was retained but the glazing was re-installed and the cobblestone yard was re-laid.
- 1960-1982 – The Market is a working wholesale fruit & vegetable market
- 1983-1984 – The 1950’s warehouses were improved and upgraded with change of use with conversion into retail units and the upper parts to office/studio use. Central cobbled area re-laid. The weekend market was begun.
GREENWICH MARKET TODAY
Greenwich Market currently trades five days a week, but many shops, cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants around the market are open Tuesday to Sunday all year round, with some open on Mondays too.
Every Wednesday 10.00am - 5.30pm: Crafts, Fresh Produce, Food-To-Go
Every Thursday 10.00am - 5.30pm: Vintage, Collectables, Antiques, Food-To-Go
Every Friday 10.00am - 5:30pm: Collectables, Antiques, Arts & Crafts, Food-To-Go
Every Saturday & Sunday 10.00am - 5:30pm: Arts & Crafts, Fresh Produce, Curiosities, Food-To-Go.
For more information visit: www.shopgreenwich.co.uk and www.lovegreenwich.co.uk
