Markets and museums are both part of London's cultural past, perhaps in different ways.

The original vegitable market moved from the Covent Garden area just off the Strand, to Nine Elms in Battersea. The old market halls have been preserved and have shops there now.

The Billingsgate fish market grew around a "river gate" in the city wall. A Harbour was built and it begang to import fish. By the 17th century the bad language of fish porters and fishwives made Billingsgate and swering synonymos. It moved further downriver in 1982.

Smithfield was originally a field where animals were penned for selling. It grew into the world's largest meat market. The central hall, built in 1866, could handle 400 truckloads of meat at the same time.

One of the most famous markets in London is Petticoat Lane. It is actually located in Middlesex Street, and grew originally as a market for second hand clothes, where the local poor could buy the cast offs of the rich. Today the market attracts tourists looking for bric and brac, and even antiques on Fridays and Saturdays.

Among other markets in London are Portobello Road in Kensington, open every Friday and Saturday. Camden Passage in Islington has antique stalls. Brixton & Kensington, are good examples of the 100 or so London Street markets. Leather Lane, off Holborn sells a variety of things.