London (Central) – Leadenhall Market

I’ve walked by the front of this market building many times, but I’m not sure that I’ve actually ever walked through it. It was once the site of a rather more traditional market, although a renovation in 1881 made it something much more upmarket.

This area was originally the heart of Roman London and it has been a market since the fourteenth century. It was once predominantly for meat and poultry sellers, although in 1488 it was repurposed to only be used by leather sellers. The market was destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666 and after that it was covered over for the first time.

Today it’s mainly modern shops, restaurants and wine bars who occupy the space.

Although this is a bustling location during the week, it’s rather quieter at weekends since nearly everything here appears to be closed.