Leadenhall Market, Victorian market hall in City of London, England
Leadenhall Market is a covered market hall in central London that houses shops, cafes, and restaurants. The glass and iron roof rests on slender columns painted in shades of green, maroon, and cream, while the floor is laid with cobblestones.
A meat and poultry market began operating here during medieval times, initially in the open air. Sir Horace Jones designed the current structure, which was completed in 1881 after a fire destroyed the earlier building.
The name refers to medieval lead roofing that once covered earlier market buildings on this site. Office workers from nearby banks and companies stop here for lunch or after-work drinks, filling the pubs and food counters each weekday.
Access the hall from Gracechurch Street or through shorter passages on Whittington Avenue and Lime Street. Shop hours vary, but the passage itself remains open even when businesses are closed.
Roman remains beneath the cobbles reveal that this spot served as a trading center in ancient times. The hall also appeared as Diagon Alley in several Harry Potter films, attracting visitors from around the world.
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