The Late Fleet Market (now Farringdon Street)

This market, removed during the 1820s, was erected on the ancient watercourse of the Fleet River. The expense of keeping the Fleet free of filth and rubbish was so burdensome that in 1734 work was begun to arch it over completely between Holborn Bridge and Fleet Bridge. A market, consisting of two rows of shops almost the entire length of the enclosed river, opened on 30th September 1737. In the centre of the market was a turret with a clock, and at the north end was a large area for dealers in vegetables. On the east side of the market between Ludgate Hill and Fleet Lane, is the Fleet Prison.