History of Watney Market

Since the late 19th century Watney Street Market in Shadwell has offered East Enders food, clothing, and community. This oral history project explores the market through the words of women – the visitors and stallholders who have browsed and bargained at the market from the early 1950s to the present day.

Where is Watney Market?

Watney Street, E1 connects to Commercial Road in the north and Shadwell DLR and Overground station in the south. The coloured markings on this London Metropolitan Archives street plan from 1962 show the large area of land chosen for redevelopment. The market had previously occupied the southern end of Watney Street but moved into its current location after construction began in the 1970s.

History of Watney Market: Timeline

In the Victorian period, Watney Street Market is one of the busiest in London, serving local Jewish and Irish communities. Being so close to the river, the market attracts dockers, warehoue workers, sailors, and their families.

1881

J.J. Sainsbury expands grocery business and takes over shop no. 68 Watney Street.

1894

Sainsbury family purchase second site at no. 67.

1927

Records reveal the street market is thriving: 227 trades apply for 200 pitches.

1939

WWII food rationing begins. Watney Street Sainsbury's Shop is inundated with registrations from local residents.

1940-41

Watney Street bombed in multiple locations during the Blitz.

1955

Planning process begins for new marketplace and high-rise house development. Plans approved in 1965.

1956

Leader of 'Watney Streeters' criminal gang is stabbed by Ronnie Kroy in the Britannia Pub on Morris Street.

1960s

First wave of Bengali migration to London's East End. Many families settle in Shadwell.

1967

Watney and Blakesly Street are flattened as redevelopment begins.

1970s

Construction delays stall redevelopment and contribute to decline of Watney Street Market. 'This market has been murdered' graffiti appears on boarded up shop in 1977.

1977

Tower Hamlets Arts Projects Community Bookshop opens at no. 59 Watney Stret, the only bookshop in Tower Hamlets at the time.

1991

Council report identifies Watney Market as a crucial shopping centre.

1994

Sainsbury's supermaket moves to Whitechapel and is replaced by Iceland.

2010

Tower Hamlets Regeneration scheme begins.

2013

Watney Market Idea Store opens.