Billingsgate - Definition and Overview

Billingsgate is a ward in the south-east of the City of London, lying on the north bank of the River Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge.

The ward included part of the old London docks, notably Billingsgate Wharf, close to Lower Thames Street, whose neighbouring streets became a fish market during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Billingsgate Fish Market was formally established by an Act of Parliament in 1699. In 1849, the fish market was moved off the streets into its own riverside building, which was subsequently demolished (c. 1873) and replaced by an arcaded market hall (designed by City architect Horace Jones) in 1875.

In 1982, the fish market was relocated to a new building close to Canary Wharf in east London. The original riverside market hall building was then refurbished (by architect Lord Richard Rogers) to provide office accommodation.