HomeThe markets history
Trading and market selling has played a significant role in the growth of Belfast since the 1613 Charter was awarded by James I. The Charter granted Belfast Borough status.From the late 17th century, Belfast became the main port in the area taking over from Carrickfergus. The range and quantity of imports and exports grew throughout the 18th century and Belfast's market tradition began to develop alongside Belfast' growing commercial prosperity.
By the 1900s, Belfast had around a dozen markets which sold everything from potatoes, pork, fowl, fish and vegetables to hay, straw, flax and poultry.
The early market houses
Belfast's first market house of 1664 was located at the corner of High Street next to Cornmarket. The second market house or 'exchange' built in Lord Donegall was a single storey arcaded building. A second storey was added in 1776. The building (which became the Northern Bank on Waring Street) was eventually re-faced and converted to a bank by Sir Charles Lanyon in 1845.Early open markets
Chief markets in the 18th century flourished at High Street, Cornmarket, Ann Street and Poultry Square (now Victoria Square).May's Market, built on reclaimed land at the Oxford Street end of Chichester Street, opened in 1813. By 1823 it was the "principal place for sale of butter, meal, eggs, potatoes and vegetables". In the same year, Smithfield Market produce included cattle, pedlars' goods, grains and hides.
New developments
Following an 1845 Act, Belfast Corporation (now Belfast City Council) purchased all the existing markets in the city with the aim of improving their conditions and hygiene standards.At around the same time in 1848, the much loved variety market at Smithfield was built on the site of the old corn and hide market. Smithfield is best remembered for its stalls packed full of old books, pictures, records and sundry junk. Unfortunately, the old building was destroyed by firebombs in 1974.
St George's Market
There has been an open market on the St George's site dating back to the 17th century. The present St George's Market was built between 1890 and 1896. It is considered to be one of the best markets in the UK. Since its £4.5m refurbishment in 1997, this charming Victorian building offers a range of products including food, flowers and antiques.Access more information about the history of St George's Market
The Markets District
The Markets District is one of the oldest communities, taking its name from the many and varied Belfast markets. Today it is one of the few parts of Belfast which remain in residential use.In the early 19th century, as Belfast progressed commercially, opportunities for employment grew. Houses were built in the Lower and Upper markets, housing labourers and working people in the lower part near the River Lagan whilst the merchants and commercial classes lived city-side in the new built Georgian terraces of the Upper Market.
