Camden Market: 8 things you probably didn’t know
Photo: Flickr/SamChills
One of the most famous shopping areas of London, known as Camden Market, Camden Lock or even Camden Lock Market, is located in the London borough of Camden. Camden Market is not just a place, but a set of markets within the city. These include: Camden Lock, The Stables, Canal Market, Buck Street Market, Inverness Street Market and Electric Ballroom. If you’ve ever been to Camden or you are planning to go, check out the eight facts we’ve compiled about this huge market.
You will find out more about this famous market on the official website, such as information on the food (cakes, burgers, paella, kebabs, crepes, hot dogs, falafels…) and drink stalls (cocktails, smoothies…), fashion (dresses, jewelry, t-shirts, sneakers, sunglasses, handbags, shoes…), art and collectibles (paintings, books, posters, graffiti, records, guitars, decorative items…) and music and events (festivals, parties, theme nights…).
The market is open every day from 10am to 6pm.
Food
Photo: Snapshooter46
The first food stall in Camden market was opened by June Foulds, an Olympic runner who competed in the 100 meters relay in the1952 and 1956 Games, winning silver and bronze medals, respectively. Known as “The Stall”, it opened in 1974.
Some figures
Photo: Ashley Lourey
Camden Market has been ranked as the fourth largest tourist attraction in London, with around 100,000 people visiting the stalls and the shops every weekend. The market has 280 stalls and 54 shops. The Camden area generates 1.2 billion pounds thanks to visitor spending. The companies behind the market are responsible for about 275,000 jobs.
The Stables
Photo: Cecil Lee
Appropriately, the market known as Stables Market was formerly made up of the Picksford horse stables and the hospital for the horses that pulled the Picksford vans. It is the largest section of the market.
Two fires
A part of Camden Market has burned down twice in the recent years. The first time was on February 9, 2008, right in the Canal Market area. One hundred firefighters were needed to put out the fire, which was started by a gas heater, but fortunately there were no casualties. The second fire occurred on May 19, 2014. Luckily, once again, there were no casualties, and this time it took 70 firefighters to stop the flames.
Map of Camden Market
At night
Electric Ballroom is a market full of shops during the day, but at night it’s a club, and has been since the early 50s. Inside are two dance floors and four bars. It has been the scene for numerous rock n ‘roll stars, including The Clash, Madness, Sid Vicious, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Paul McCartney, among others.
Anecdotes
The TV star Chris Evans once made a statement that if his program, The Terry and Gabby Show, got poor rating in 2004, he would set up a stall in Camden Market and sell his assets. When the program was canceled during the first season, the finale showed Evans with a stand in The Stables Market .
Photo: Veronica Aguilar
Filming
Withnail and I is an iconic film that takes place in Camden Town, with the market as one of its sets. The filmmaker Bruce Robinson once lived in Camden and based the film on his experiences in the city.
Photo: Mike Sandman
Celebrities
Several famous writers from history, such as George Orwell, Mary Shelley and Charles Dickens, lived in the area.