thumb|East Arcade of Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is a covered market in London, England, located on Gracechurch Street. It is one of the oldest markets in London, dating from the 14th century, and is located in the historic centre of the City of London financial district.
History
The market dates from the 14th century and is said to derive its name from Leather-hall, though this is disputed. The early history of Leaden Hall involves the Mayor (1446), Simon Eyre. According to John Stow, "Eyre, a draper built Leaden Hall for a common garner of corn for the use of this city".
The Market is typically open weekdays from 10 am until 6 pm, and primarily sells fresh food; among the vendors there are cheesemongers, butchers and florists. Originally a meat, game and poultry market, it stands on what was the centre of Roman London. A number of commercial retailers are also located in the market, including clothes shops. The Lamb Tavern, dating from 1780, is a traditional gathering place for insurance industry workers, many of whom work at Lloyd's of London adjacent to Leadenhall Market.
The ornate roof structure, painted green, maroon and cream, and cobbled floors of the current structure, designed in 1881 by Sir Horace Jones (who was also the architect of Billingsgate and Smithfield Markets), make Leadenhall Market a tourist attraction.
It was used to represent the area of London near the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley in the film Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) and is featured in the films The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009), Hereafter (2010), Brannigan (1975), Hidden City (1987), Johnny English (2003) and (2009). It was also used in the music video for the 1991 Erasure song "Love to Hate You".
Leadenhall Market formed part of the marathon course of the 2012 Olympic Games; runners passed through the market from Whittington Avenue to Lime Street. Furthermore, it is featured in Mario Kart Tour and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe as part of the London Loop Course.
The nearest public transit access points are Bank and Monument stations on the London Underground, and Fenchurch Street or Cannon Street on National Rail. Vehicular access is also available via Whittington Avenue to the north and Lime Street to the south and east, and there is additional pedestrian access via a number of narrow passageways.
Gallery
<gallery class="center">
Image:Leadenhall Market entrance Illustrated London New 1881.jpg|Main entrance, from the Illustrated London News, 1881
Image:Leadenhall Market Illustrated London News 1881.jpg|The interior, from the Illustrated London News, 1881
Image:Leadenhall market city london outside.jpg|West entrance, from Gracechurch Street
Image:Leadenhall_Market_DSC00193.png|North entrance, from Whittington Avenue off Leadenhall Street
Image:Leadenhallmarket.JPG|Market ceiling, 2010
Image:Mercado Leadenhall, Londres, Inglaterra, 2014-08-07, DD 049.JPG|Night view using a fish-eye lens
Image:Mercado Leadenhall, Londres, Inglaterra, 2014-08-11, DD 147.JPG|View during the day
Image:Leadenhall Market black and white.jpg|Black and white interior of Leadenhall Market
</gallery>
See also
- List of markets in London
References
External links
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