East Street Market’s changing character

Walworth’s East Street Market remains a much-loved staple of local life for Southwark residents despite the changes both it and the area have undergone down the years.

A market has operated on the site since the 1880s in what was previously known as ‘East Lane’. In the 1970s, it developed into an area full of diversity with new stalls opening weekly, run by people from all backgrounds, alongside those that have been there decades.

Way back In the 16th century, the Walworth area was used by farmers to rest their livestock before moving them to market in the city. Now it is a densely-built urban location, but one which continues to develop and evolve.

East Street Market – with its fresh vegetables, meat, accessories, and clothing – is no exception to the march of change, according to Matt, who has lived in Southwark his entire life and runs a stall which sells glasses every Saturday.

During the development of the market in the 90s, it was mainly “made up of people from Irish and Jewish descent”, says the 42-year-old.

“The change in character of the area including the market has been incredible.

“Initially, the market was run by mostly British white people, as well as the Irish and there was many of Jewish descent.

“Through the years, the market has definitely changed into something which is run by people from all backgrounds.

“First there was a huge increase of people running stalls and opening stores from Afro-Caribbean descent, and today you’ll see the market has had a huge increase of stalls owned by people of Afghani descent.

“It’s always growing, becoming more diverse, in my whole time living here there has always been something changing.”

The gentrification of Southwark, with new high-rise apartment blocks and expensive houses springing up in multiple locations, has impacted East Street Market.

But although there has been a fall in the amount of stalls, many residents still see it as an essential place to do their daily shopping.

The demolition of the Elephant and Castle shopping centre has also left some locals looking elsewhere to buy their necessities, so the market meets their needs.

Stallholder Matt adds: “East Street Market has developed majorly over time. There might be some people who hate the change, but I think it has done us all well.”