Leadenhall Street J Hopkins.jpg

Leadenhall Market is a covered market in London, located on Gracechurch Street but with vehicular access also available via Whittington Avenue to the north and Lime Street to the south and east, and additional pedestrian access via a number of narrow passageways.

It is one of the oldest markets in London, dating from the 14th century, and is located in the historic centre of the City of London financial district.

History

The market dates from the 14th century and is said to derive its name from ''Leather-hall'', though it is disputable. The early history of Leaden Hall involves the Mayor (1446), Simon Eyre. According to John Stow, "Eyre, a draper built Leaden Hall for a common garner of corn for the use of this city".

The Market is typically open weekdays from 10 am until 6 pm, and primarily sells fresh food; among the vendors there are cheesemongers, butchers and florists. Originally a meat, game and poultry market, it stands on what was the centre of Roman London.''Leadenhall Market''
( City of London) accessed 30 September 2009 A number of commercial retailers are also located in the market, including clothes shops.

The ornate roof structure, painted green, maroon and cream, and cobbled floors of the current structure, designed in 1881 by Sir Horace Jones (who was also the architect of Billingsgate and Smithfield Markets), make Leadenhall Market a tourist attraction.

The main entrance to the market is on Gracechurch Street. The double height entrance is flanked by tall, narrow gabled red brick and Portland stone blocks in a 17th-century Dutch style. The adjacent buildings to the south have a continuous retail frontage which is punctuated by narrow entrances to pedestrian ways into the market.

Between 1990 and 1991 the market received a dramatic redecoration which improved its appearance, enhancing its architectural character and detail. The redecoration scheme received a special mention in the Civic Trust Awards in 1994. The market is a Grade II* listed building, being listed in 1972.

It 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'' (2001) and is featured in the films '' The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus'' (2009), '' Hereafter'' (2010), '' Brannigan'' (1975), '' Hidden City'' (1987) and ''Love Aaj Kal'' (2009). It was also used in the music video for the 1991 Erasure song " Love to Hate You".

Leadenhall Market formed part of the marathon course of the 2012 Olympic Games; runners passed through the market from Whittington Avenue to Lime Street.

Furthermore, it is featured in '' Mario Kart Tour'' course "London Loop".

Gallery

Image:Leadenhall Market entrance Illustrated London New 1881.jpg, Main entrance from the '' Illustrated London News'', 1881
Image:Leadenhall Market Illustrated London News 1881.jpg, The interior from the ''Illustrated London News'', 1881
Image:Leadenhall market city london outside.jpg, West entrance, from Gracechurch Street
Image:Leadenhall_Market_DSC00193.png, North entrance, from Whittington Avenue off Leadenhall Street
Image:Leadenhallmarket.JPG, Market ceiling, 2010
Image:Mercado Leadenhall, Londres, Inglaterra, 2014-08-07, DD 049.JPG, Night view with a fish-eye lens
Image:Mercado Leadenhall, Londres, Inglaterra, 2014-08-11, DD 147.JPG, View during the day
Image:Leadenhall Market black and white.jpg, Black and white interior of Leadnhall Market

See also

* List of markets in London

References

External links

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{{London landmarks

Grade II* listed buildings in the City of London
Retail markets in London
Tourist attractions in the City of London
Shopping centres in the City of London