In the early part of the 20th century, markets were a vital and vibrant part of London life. Many of these markets had long histories, stretching back centuries when they were first set up to feed the growing city. By the early 1900s, London had different kinds of markets serving various needs.
Some were huge wholesale markets. These were less for everyday shoppers and more for shop owners buying goods in large quantities. There were specific wholesale markets dedicated entirely to meat, others focused only on fish, and large ones dealing just in vegetables and fruit. These supplied the smaller shops across the city.
More familiar to most Londoners were the numerous street markets. As London had grown bigger in previous centuries, these markets popped up to serve people living in different neighbourhoods. In the early 1900s, these street markets were bustling places. Stallholders, sometimes called costermongers, would line the streets selling all sorts of goods directly to the public.
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You could find almost anything you needed at these markets. Stalls were piled high with fresh produce like apples, potatoes, and cabbages. Butchers and fishmongers sold their wares. Beyond food, you could buy household necessities, perhaps pots and pans, clothes, shoes, or secondhand items. The air would be filled with the shouts of sellers calling out their prices and the chatter of shoppers looking for bargains.
These markets often took place out in the open along certain streets. However, changes were happening. As London modernised, things like electric trams became common on main roads. Sometimes, this meant street markets were moved off the major streets. They might relocate into nearby side streets or occasionally into new covered market halls built to house them. Whether in a covered hall, a side street, or a traditional market square, these places remained essential for Londoners buying their daily food and goods.
