Wednesday 22 December 2010

Thinking about old Victorian markets...

A shop in Soho

This street, like Gerard Street, was named after Charles Gerard, first Earl of Macclesfield, who died in 1694 .

The shop, well-known to architects as 'the oldest shop in London,' was probably built about 1690."




Oxford Market

This market was built around 1724, but not opened till 1732. It was demolished in 1880. Dr. Johnson at one time lived at No. 6 in this same street.

It was on the corner of Great Titchfield Street and Market Place.

I have just been reading Jim Clayson's blog and he states Harold Phillips’ book 'Mid-Georgian London' says that: “It first appears on a plan of Marylebone by John Prince in 1719.” He notes, however, that it “does not appear in the rate books until 1724, when it had only six stalls”.

It was also described it simply as “a small arcaded building east of Great Portland Street…built in 1721.”

Yet it was clearly there some years before, for the Daily Post reported in July 1728 that:
“On Thursday Night Mr Hetherington of Knightsbridge, formerly a Tallyman…….tumbled into an unguarded Area near the New Market by Oxford Square, and was unfortunately kill’d by the fall.

The original hexagonal structure of wood was demolished in 1816 and the market rebuilt as shops. Accommodation was provided above these premises, presumably intended for the shopkeepers.
 One regular customer at the new premises was Arthur Thistlewood, soon to be executed for his part in the 1820 Risings. A Constable was deputed to watch out for his presence.

Interestingly enough In common with many public spaces in London, the Market had become a centre of radical activity. Tracts were sold there, along with street ballads.

The fabric of the Marketplace degenerated in the nineteenth century.

“it was pulled down ..in 1880,”

Photo taken by Henry Dixon in 1880 British Library





British Library

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