Markets are the backbone of the UK. They are spread out all week, selling a range of goods; From the fresh and delicious produce to be picked at the farmers market; to “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure” at the Weekend Clothing Market; Wholesale and wholesale markets to retailers swell to quaint little village markets catering to the local population. Britain loves a good market – so much so that we invented fancy markets.
Here is a list of some of the most popular ones:
Walford Market – Based in the fictional Walford, where our favorite Eastenders reside, Walford Market is the central part of the daily action in Albert Square. He mainly sells market and clothing since the first episode in 1985; With some of the most likable characters out there running the stalls. From Pete Beale’s fruit and vegetable operation to Mo’s unwanted clothes stand.
Elf Market – as described by Christina Rossetti in her 19th century poem of the same name. The Goblin Market is a place for goblins and fairies. Selling delicious fruits in abundance, forbidden to humans, the shouts of merchants from the market attract two sisters who find themselves in a dire predicament after tasting the delicious forbidden fruit. Rossetti truly evokes the look and smell of this night market in her wonderful poem.
Albion Market – Albion Market was the name and location of a short-lived soap in the 1980s. It was centered on a market in Salford, Greater Manchester and was intended as an addition to the famous Coronation Street. It was launched the same year as Eastenders, and the television producers were confident that its tie-in to Coronation Street would ensure it did well; Sadly they were wrong, after only 100 episodes Albion Market closed forever.
Del Boy – Despite the fact that Del Boy is not a market and Sheppard’s Bush Market where he allegedly trades illegally is definitely a living breathing market, Del Boy deserves a mention. The stereotype of a Cockney market shopper, he can run and handle anything, and his inclusion in the legendary British comedy ‘Only Fools and Horses’ is said to have introduced show and British comedy. Writer John Sullivan, played with comical precision by David Jason, based the character on the unlicensed dealers who sold goods from bags, always fascinated by him at the local market.
Diagon Alley, Harry Potter – Leadenhall Market in London is the real location of the alleys of magic shops and hostels made famous in Harry Potter. Although it is a chain of shops in mixed premises, the clientele, layout and bartering of Diagon Alley give it more of a market feel. Popular magic shops and businesses in the alley include: Eeylops Owl Emporium, Flourish and Bolts Magic book Shop, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, Madam Malkin’s Robes, Potage’s Cauldron Supplies, and a number of small stalls selling everything from magical sweets to spellcasting. Unseen to Muggles, Diagon Alley is accessed through the Leaky Cauldron, a country house tucked somewhere along Charing Cross Road between a bookshop and a record shop – I’m still looking!