Plans to relocate the wholesale markets of the City of London, including Smithfield, Billingsgate, and Spitalfields, to Dagenham may be thwarted by the ancient Royal Charter granted by King Henry III in 1247.
The Charter prohibits the establishment of any other market within a day’s sheep drive (6.66 miles) of Romford Market. And Havering London Borough Council could enforce this mediaeval law out of concern for the relocated markets’ retail trade.
The City of London Corporation submitted a Private Bill to Parliament in November for approval of the relocation of the markets to Dagenham Dock. Nonetheless, Havering Council submitted an objection based on the Royal Charter during the petitioning period.
In response, a spokesperson for the City of London Corporation stated, “We believe that co-location is the most effective means of securing the long-term future of the markets, providing market tenants with room for growth and modern, environmentally sustainable facilities fit for the 21st century, and stimulating economic growth in Barking and Dagenham.”
Now that the petitioning period has concluded, the bill is still being reviewed in the House of Commons. Although Havering Council does not typically enforce the Charter, it is concerned about the impact of the relocation of the City markets on local commerce, particularly if they are permitted to sell to individuals at retail.
The possibility of opposition from Havering could be a significant barrier for the bill. If approved, the relocation of Smithfield, Billingsgate, and Spitalfields markets to Dagenham would provide an economic boost to Barking and Dagenham; however, it remains to be seen whether a 775-year-old law will prove insurmountable.
