The Leadenhall Market in east London has a long and fascinating history. Its life dates back to the 15th century, when it started as a grain and other foodstuffs market. It survived the Great Fire of 1666 and continued to develop, becoming a hub for wool, leather and cutlery, in addition to food.
In the nineteenth century, the stonework market was redeveloped by Sir Horace Jones into a wrought iron and glass design that still delights the market’s visitors.
Old Tom the Gander
Over its years, it has had famous residents and visitors, including many well known wizards when it played the part of Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. But its most famous resident was Tom – so famous that his obituary appeared in the Times after his death at the age of 37 in March 1835.
Tom was a goose, said to have arrived from Belgium having followed his girlfriend. The rest of his flock rapidly became dinner for market shoppers, but Tom survived and became a regular visitor to the market and the surrounding inns, where he was welcomed and fed with scraps. After his death from natural causes, he was buried at the market.
A bar named after the old gander, Leadenhall Market, June 2016
Copyright Debbie Smyth, 30 June 2016
Part of Cee’s B&W Challenge
Travel with Intent 
This just makes me really happy!
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You do make me smile, Debs! But then you make me think 🙂 I’ve never actually visited Leadenhall, can you believe? Not due a London trip any time soon but it’s been noted. 🙂 Have a great weekend! Out and about?
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Off to a photo exhibition at V&A and theatre today. But a quiet weekend. How about you?
I’ve only been to Leadenhall twice – both on a dawn photo walk. But it’s a great time to be there – empty!
On Fri, Jul 1, 2016 at 9:53 AM, Travel with Intent wrote:
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I love the V&A. 🙂 Nothing special this weekend but back in the Algarve on Wednesday.
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Oh the Algarve must be calling loudly given our changeable weather! Enjoy!
Sent from my iPhone
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Such a wonderful photo for this week’s theme. Thanks Debbie. Have a great weekend.
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Thanks Cee. Glad you like it.
On Fri, Jul 1, 2016 at 1:46 AM, Travel with Intent wrote:
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Brave Tom!
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Who can have a doubt that is London? So… London 🙂 Great shot!
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😀 It sells beer, quite apart from anything else!
On Thu, Jun 30, 2016 at 11:04 PM, Travel with Intent wrote:
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Many years since I have been to Leadenhall, though I often visit nearby areas! Must go back….
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