This is East London's famous Sunday morning market that has been
trading for more than two centuries. In Elizabethan times, the market
was called Hog Lane, because this is where pigs were sold. The Sunday
market grew out of observance of the Jewish Sabbath on Saturday. Amongst
the bargains hanging up on the rails were second hand goods, hence the
expression 'hand me downs'.
The name of todays’ market is derived from the petticoats that
French immigrants used to sell in the area, but in 1846, the horrified
Victorian authorities renamed the street Middlesex Street as it was deemed
improper to have a street named after ladies underwear. However, it was
too late and the original name stuck.
Prices are rarely shown, so you should bargain with the trader for the
best price, particularly if you're paying with cash. There is said
to be over a thousand stalls spread over Middlesex Street, Wentworth Street
and surrounding roads. The market is known for its cut-price fashion clothes,
fabrics, jewellery, china, toys, textiles, household gadgets and electrical
items. At the Aldgate East end of the market, there is a large area devoted
to leather jackets. Frying Pan Alley', is at the opposite end of 'The
Lane' close to Liverpool Street. It got its name from the ironmongers
who used frying pans to identify their premises.
The founder of the AMSTRAD Computer business and Chairman of the Tottenham
Hotspur Football Club, Sir Alan Sugar began his career as a Petticoat
Lane Trader. His earnings in 1999 totalled some £9.45 million.
Middlesex St, E1. Open Sunday 9am to 2pm Wentworth Street also open Monday
to Friday 10am 2.30pm Nearest Underground Stations – Liverpool Street
& Aldgate East.
Next month: Portobello Rd
