1 June 2007
Lord Mayor’s visit to Billingsgate Market
So how much is the annual rent of Britain's largest fish market -
Billingsgate? The answer is a 20lb salmon.
Pictured is the Lord Mayor of the City of London John Stuttard
presenting the salmon as rent for Billingsgate Market to Mayor of
Tower Hamlets Ann Jackson yesterday (31 May) morning. Billingsgate
Market has been run by the City of London Corporation for over 600
years, but had to move from the City to Docklands in 1982.
Under the terms of an unusual agreement between the local
authorities, the annual rent paid by the City is ‘the gift of one
fish' and the quaint tradition of 'paying the rent' carries on
annually.
Lord Mayor John Stuttard apologised for the overdue payment as
the annual event has usually taken place in April (beginning of
financial year) for the past 20 years. He said: "London is not only
a world financial hub but a world-famous centre for good food - and
the superb fish and seafood of Billingsgate is right at the heart
of that reputation."
"The traders here are a vital resource for all the communities
in Tower Hamlets and London. Many come here to search out regional
and national specialities. With 150 kinds of fish, it's the best
market in the UK."
Mayor of Tower Hamlets Ann Jackson said "It is a great tradition
and this year we are donating the rent, together with other fresh
catches to a local foster children’s home."
Among the other guests present for the ceremony were Stanley
Ginsburg, Chairman of the City’s Markets Committee, and the
Superintendent of the Market, Malcolm Macleod.
Ends
Notes for editors
The City of London provides local government services for the
Square Mile, the financial and commercial heart of Britain and is
committed to maintaining and enhancing the status of the business
City as the world's leading international financial and business
centre through its policies and services. Its responsibilities also
extend far beyond the City boundaries and include management of the
Barbican Centre, Central Criminal Court at the Old Bailey, Epping
Forest, Hampstead Heath, three wholesale food markets, as well as
acting as the London Port Health Authority.
Press enquiries: Loretta Lui on 020 7332 1528 or
email.