TheFleet Market was a London market erected in 1736 on the newly culvertedRiver Fleet. The market was located approximately where the modernFarringdon Street stands today, to the west of theSmithfield livestock market.
Work began in 1734 to arch over the River Fleet, as it had become an open sewer; and to remove the considerable expense of clearing the river of rubbish and filth. The course of the river was covered between Holborn Bridge and Fleet Bridge (nowLudgate Circus). The market, consisting of two rows of open one–storey shops linked by a covered walkway, opened on 30 September 1737. The market replaced theOld Stocks Market that itself had been cleared for the construction of theMansion House.[1]
To the north of the market, vegetables were sold in an open-air market. The centre was marked by a clock tower; and the south was adjacent to theFleet Prison.
| Fleet Market Act 1824 | |
|---|---|
| Act of Parliament | |
 | |
| Long title | An Act for the Removal of Fleet Market in the City of London. |
| Citation | 5 Geo. 4. c. cli |
By 1829, the market was dilapidated and considered an obstacle to the increasing volume of traffic; and was cleared for the construction ofFarringdon Road.Farringdon Market was constructed to replace it, but was never successful.[1]
51°30′58″N0°6′18″W / 51.51611°N 0.10500°W /51.51611; -0.10500