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A load of vegetables at the old Open Market, formerly The Cattle Market in Moat Row. 1869.
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Smithfield Fruit & Veg W/sale Market 1883
- Thread starter loisand
- Start date
A load of vegetables at the old Open Market, formerly The Cattle Market in Moat Row. 1869.
The Market at the beginning of WW2. Expect stock levels like these became unusual as the country progressed into the war. Viv.
A drawing of the Corporation market buildings in 1886 (date given in the labelling on the print as for sale). Phyllis Nicklin captured one corner of the building in 1960 (Jamaica Row/St Martin’s Lane). Viv.
Fruit and veg ready for the Christmas rush in December 1939. Viv.
What is the date of this map?
The tram car in this photo is No.51 (taken from a higher definition copy of the same photo). According to David Harvey's 'Birmingham Before the Electric Tram,' that car entered service in 1885. Further in the same book David Harvey, also gives a date of 1886 for the commencement of the 'C' route tram service. So assuming Mr Harvey is correct, the photo is no earlier than 1886. However that doesn't fit with the narrative of it being taken prior to a putative building of a covered market, within the view of this photograph, in 1883.
As for the sign on the Drover's Arms, as the pub building itself is only three windows wide and 'Mitchell's A.....' takes up two and a half windows, it seems unlikely that the sign says 'Mitchell's And Butler's.' There just isn't room. 'Mitchell's Ales' seems more plausible. Also the pub on the far left of the photo has a sign on top stating 'Mitchell ?? Ales.' No mention of 'Butler's.' So the photo appears to be taken before, or perhaps shortly after, the Mitchell's and Butler's merger in 1898.
Therefore, on this evidence the photo was taken sometime between 1886 and 1898
The map was published 1889, but would the survey on which it was based would be about 1885
Auction in aid of RAF pilots and crewmen at Smithfield. Viv.
A drawing of the 1903 extension to the Market. (The article which featured in the Birmingham Gazette is dated 2/12/1950). Hadn’t realised the different uses for the upper and lower levels; wholesale above and market gardeners below. Also surprised that the Rag Market was held here on Saturdays and Tuesdays.
Expect some of the foundations must still remain if they were 14ft below street level (ie the bottom of the old moat). Perhaps this was what was found when it was surveyed some years ago.
Viv.
Expect some of the foundations must still remain if they were 14ft below street level (ie the bottom of the old moat). Perhaps this was what was found when it was surveyed some years ago.
Viv.
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Viv, did you mean the 1903 extension to the market?
Apologies, thanks Richard, yes should be 1903 ! Have amended my post. Viv.
Lovely to see that someone remembers Randall Bros. and Parsons. My grandfather was the son of one of the original Randall Bros. and worked on the market all his life.
Does anyone remember a tall chimney with "Randall Bros." written on it in red? It could be seen from the train as you approached New St station and would still have been there in the mid 1950s.
izzy eckerslike
master brummie
Several mentions here of Banana's ripening, these were called the Banana rooms and the building had about four floors where whole stems of Banana's would be hung up in rows. I mentioned about me working there in the early 60's on another thread. Bananas began arriving by air instead of by ship so didn't need long ripening. The rooms were taken over by general fruit & veg companies and the firm I worked for had the job of plastering & painting the whole place from top to bottom, a lift shaft was installed as well.
Welcome Finona. Hopefully someone remembers the chimney. Maybe we could even find a photo somewhere. You never know what can be turned up by members on BHF ! Viv.
This is the weighing house c1930. (Edit. This date is most probably incorrect. See posts below). I think this building is just visible in the photo in post #51 (left side of photo).
Is the chimney just visible to the right in the weighing house image, the one Finona refers to in post #74? Viv.
Is the chimney just visible to the right in the weighing house image, the one Finona refers to in post #74? Viv.
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Are you sure about that date Viv. As I understand it the weighing bridge and house were not in the open at that time, and the complete market are was surrounded by walls after the market was extended. around the turn of the century. I seem to remember that as well around 1970.
Can’t be sure Mike as it was on eBay using that date. Dates given are often incorrect. Viv.
Have added an edit note to my post Mike. Thanks. Viv.
Yes it is Steve,
Canadian apples in time for Christmas 1950. Viv.
Source: British Newspaper Archive
Source: British Newspaper Archive
1950 was expected to be a good year for spending on Christmas food. Viv.
Surely night work at Smithfield Market was common before the 1950s ? Or am I misunderstanding “First Night Success” ? Viv.
Source: British Newspaper Archive
Source: British Newspaper Archive
Possibly not Viv. Not sure what they mean by right work. As I remember it in the 60s I seem to remember they started at 4 or 5 am. The local pubs (there being strict licensing laws would have adjusted opening hours for their refreshment (opening at 5.00? and not opening in evening)
