The Borough Market

This friday morning I spent an hour or so meandering through the Borough Market, the oldest market in London.  The borough market is located at the base of the London Bridge.  Until the 18th century London Bridge was the only link between London and the rest of South East England and the rest of the continent. Because of the huge number of travelers flowing through Southwark (the town, and now neighborhood just south of the London Bridge) the borough quickly gained wealth and prominence, and the Borough market was formed.  The first incarnation of the market was first documented in 1014, and a market selling fresh grain, meat, fruits, and vegetables has existed in the area ever since.  In 1755 the market moved to its current location in a triangular block a few hundred meters from the bridge's southern bank.  In the early 1800's, the market was fully covered with an iron frame and glass covering, complete with twin arches and a dome.   The market continues to this day in that same building, with much the same format as markets in centuries past.  On this particular friday morning, it wasn't too busy.  Tourists mingled through the market, looking at the expensive organic vegetables, fresh fish, home baked pastries, and local cheese.  I bought a tuna steak caught the day before, and some fresh local nectarines.  In the center of the market a chef stirred a gigantic wok full of chicken curry that smelled delicious.  Overall it was charming, although the prices make it more of a looking than buying experience.