Watney Market, Watney Street, Shadwell, London E1

Illustration by Andrew Cadey

Since the late 19th century Watney Street Market in Shadwell has offered East Enders food, clothing, and community. Being so close to the river, the market also attracted dockers, warehouse workers, sailors, and their families.

Watney Street was bombed in multiple locations during the Blitz of 1940-41 and in 1967 the street was flattened to make way for a new marketplace and high-rise house development. The project took over a decade to complete due to construction delays and during the redevelopment, the market’s activity declined substantially.

Tower Hamlets Council identified Watney Market as a crucial shopping centre in 1991. This marked the beginning of a series of regeneration projects, which is still a work progress.

Limited first edition print run of 20