Leadenhall Market is a remarkable covered market on Gracechurch Street in London. Its name comes from the market established here in the 14th century around a manor home with a lead roof, but its roots go back much further. There was a forum on this site around 1 AD, and it was at the centre of Roman London.

The current iconic structure of the market dates back to 1881, when Sir Horace Jones designed the magnificent building. Its elaborate roof structure, painted interior, and cobbled floors make the building itself a popular tourist destination.

The producers of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" used Leadenhall as the site of Diagon Alley, which has made the site even more of an attraction to tourists.

The market's public areas are generally open 24 hours a day, but market stalls operate from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

From its humble beginnings as a simple food supplier, Leadenhall has definitely gone upscale. The covered market houses many permanent shops, the majority of which sell to an upmarket clientele. There are stores selling fine clothing, jewellery, and accessories.

The market gets quite a lot of trade from the nearby city workers who often stop in at lunchtime for a meal, so there are also shops to accommodate their needs such as a photo shop, a locksmith and shoe repair shop, and a hairdressers.

The market stalls feature mainly fresh foods such as meats, cheeses, and pasta. There are also stalls selling flowers, jewellery, and art.

Leadenhall is also well known for its events such as the annual "Light Up Leadenhall" event, where the Lord Mayor of London arrives to turn on the Christmas lights and draw the winning ticket for a fabulous Christmas Hamper.

"Sax in the City" is another popular event at the market; it is a week-long celebration of jazz with lunchtime performances and a fantastic Party Night of live jazz.

Leadenhall is one of the oldest and most delightful markets in London.

Visiting Leadenhall Market

Whittington Avenue, off Gracechurch Street, City, EC3V 1LR

Telephone: 020 7929 1073

Email info@leadenhallmarket.co.uk

Photo courtesy: Alan Stanton

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