Romford Market has stood at the heart of the town since 1247, making it one of the oldest continuously operating markets in the United Kingdom. The market's origins stretch back more than seven centuries to a royal order from Henry III, and it remains a fixture of daily life in Havering today.
A Royal Beginning
The market was established by royal writ in 1247, when Henry III ordered the sheriff of Essex to create a market at Romford. No formal charter was issued; rather, the right to hold a market on Wednesdays was granted by direct command. The market began as a sheep market, serving as a meeting point between Essex farmers and London buyers.
The Liberty of Havering charter of 1465 strengthened the market's governance, creating paid officers including a clerk of the market. The charter elevated the manor's status and provided the administrative framework that would govern trading for centuries.
The Market Place Through the Ages
The marketplace itself measures approximately 400 yards long and 50 yards wide, located in Romford town centre on what was once the main east-west road. Through traffic was removed from the High Street in 1969, reshaping the market's relationship with the town.
Several historic buildings border the market. St Edward the Confessor Church, built around 1410 to the north of the marketplace, was designated a listed building in 1952. The Lamb and the Golden Lion public houses, both listed in 1979, also stand nearby. A former court house and market house once stood at the western end; it was demolished in 1933 to make way for the Quadrant Arcade.
The market and its adjacent streets were designated a conservation area on 1 April 1968, recognising the historical significance of the trading space.
From Livestock to Retail
Romford Market's character has shifted dramatically over the centuries. Originally focused on sheep and cattle, the market grew famous for leather goods by the 15th century. By the 18th and 19th centuries, it had become a major agricultural hub, complete with a corn exchange that opened in 1845 and operated until 1924.
Cattle sales ended on 21 May 1958, marking the close of the market's livestock era. Today, the market offers general goods and food, though the range of products has narrowed as shopping habits have changed.
Changing Fortunes
The market has experienced significant decline in trader numbers. In 1973, approximately 325 regular traders operated at Romford. By 1985, this had fallen to 339, then dropped to 226 by 1995. The downward trend continued: 170 traders in 2005, 90 in 2015, and just 60 licensed traders by July 2020.
Havering London Borough Council owns and operates the market. The Wednesday market continues under the 1247 royal writ, whilst Friday and Saturday markets operate under provisions of the Food Act 1984. A Sunday market ran from July 2020 until March 2024, when it closed as part of council budget cuts.
Legal Legacy
The market's long history includes a notable place in English law. In 1726, the case of Keech v. Sandford arose from a lease at Romford Market. The judgment established a foundational principle of English trust law: the fiduciary duty of loyalty. The case is still cited in legal education today.