Greenwich Market

In 1694 a Royal Charter established the Royal Hospital for Seamen, this later became known as Greenwich Hospital. It was in the 1700’s that Greenwich Market was first mentioned and assigned to the Commissioners of Greenwich Hospital.

Originally located on the site of the Royal Naval College, it wasn’t until the 1800’s that the market moved to its current location. This was due to the surrounding dark streets and alleyways becoming harder and maintain and dangerous to control. Distinctive glass roofs were built to protect the traders from the elements, although peddlers often sold other wares out on the local streets. Under the covered market traders sold both live and dead meat, fish, eggs, fruit and vegetables, whilst outside goods such as china, glass and pottery were sold. Inside the current market today you can still see some of the original stables and slaughterhouses.

The Admiral Hardy pub sits at one end of the market and in 1845 a small theatre was constructed over the archway next to the pub in College Approach. The following inscription can still be read today;

“A false balance is an abomination to the Lord but just a weight in his delight.”

An extensive amount of money was spent by the Commissioners of Greenwich Hospital to move and update the market and in 1849 and act was passed by Parliament to enable the hospital to manage the market. This included being able to collect rent from the stall holders.

By the 1900’s the roof was in a dangerous state and was replaced by the current roof in 1908. It was during this time that the market by-laws were changed and trading was allowed six days a week, not including Sundays, Christmas and bank holidays. 

As horse traffic declined the stables began to be used as storage and after WWII the food wholesale market started to deteriorate. Sadly this continued until the 1980’s.

Inspired by the up and coming market at Camden Lock, on the 14th May 1985 the first arts and crafts market opened at Greenwich. By 1987 the shops surrounding the market were bustling with new tenants largely from the craft business.

The current market is open every day, with a variation of stalls running on different days. An amazing array of street food and drink also occupies one end of the market