Pictures and Films of Berwick Street Market in London’s Soho

Where Noel Coward bought smart socks and Gertrude Lawrence smart stockings at bargain prices in their early days...

Berwick Street Market in Soho in June 1966. (Richard Friedman)

In 1937 the Manchester Guardian complained that London’s open-air markets, including Berwick Street market, had lost some of their character and picturesqueness ever since the oil flares were replaced by electric lights over the stalls. They went on to describe Berwick Street as where Noel Coward bought smart socks and Gertrude Lawrence smart stockings at bargain prices in their early days. Corsets, face cream, glassware, and cheap antiques are also there and in the overflow markets in the little neighbouring alleys.

Berwick Street itself was built probably just short of 1700 and probably named after the Duke of Berwick, an illegitimate son of James II. The market began at some point in the 18th century when shop keepers started to display their wares on the pavement but it wasn’t officially recognised until 1892. Berwick Street market is still running today but perhaps not as thriving as it once was with much re-development going on around the area.

 

Berwick Street market

Mid-70s – photo by Jimmy James

Berwick Street

1979, by MC Morgan

Berwick Street

1979, by MC Morgan

1926

circa 1930: Berwick street market in Soho, London, with stalls selling fruit and vegetables and fur coats and stoles.

1970, actually Rupert Street which in a continuation of the market past Walker’s Court which can be seen in the background.

1972

1978, Ed Sijmons

Berwick St/Broadwick Street, April 1960 – CW Cushman

1968

1967 JR James Archive

by Ida Kar, 1960-1961

Berwick Street

Ian Hendry and Patrick Macnee , 5th December 1960

1978

1976

Berwick Street

1976, photo by Klaus Hiltscher

A view of Berwick Street, London, on Sept. 8, 1941, near to Berwick Market.

Greengrocers produce a showcase for suggestive films in Berwick Street market area of Soho 1977

Berwick Street market c.1967

Berwick Street market 1973

With One Elbow Resting On A Hand-trolly Noel Coward Chats With Michael Wilding In Soho’s Berwick Market
22 June 1957

The famous Berwick Market in Soho, London, on Nov. 19, 1928, which will be closed shortly for the construction of two garages.

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