History of Watney Market: Timeline
In the Victorian period, Watney Street Market is one of the busiest in London, serving local Jewish and Irish communities. Being so close to the river, the market attracts dockers, warehoue workers, sailors, and their families.
1881
J.J. Sainsbury expands grocery business and takes over shop no. 68 Watney Street.
1894
Sainsbury family purchase second site at no. 67.
1927
Records reveal the street market is thriving: 227 trades apply for 200 pitches.
1939
WWII food rationing begins. Watney Street Sainsbury's Shop is inundated with registrations from local residents.
1940-41
Watney Street bombed in multiple locations during the Blitz.
1955
Planning process begins for new marketplace and high-rise house development. Plans approved in 1965.
1956
Leader of 'Watney Streeters' criminal gang is stabbed by Ronnie Kroy in the Britannia Pub on Morris Street.
1960s
First wave of Bengali migration to London's East End. Many families settle in Shadwell.
1967
Watney and Blakesly Street are flattened as redevelopment begins.
1970s
Construction delays stall redevelopment and contribute to decline of Watney Street Market. 'This market has been murdered' graffiti appears on boarded up shop in 1977.
1977
Tower Hamlets Arts Projects Community Bookshop opens at no. 59 Watney Stret, the only bookshop in Tower Hamlets at the time.
1991
Council report identifies Watney Market as a crucial shopping centre.
1994
Sainsbury's supermaket moves to Whitechapel and is replaced by Iceland.
2010
Tower Hamlets Regeneration scheme begins.
2013
Watney Market Idea Store opens.