Petticoat Lane, Middlesex Street in London

One of the oldest surviving markets in Britain; the Petticoat Lane Market got the somewhat unique name from its history of clothing trade. It was originally established by Huguenot weavers who sold lace and petticoats. It was during the reign of Queen Victoria that the name was changed to a more respectable Middlesex Street, though in the daily jargon, the place retains its original name! Having over 1200 stalls, this world famous market will offer you a huge variety of stuff including clothing, leather and fabrics. Visit the top end of the market, near Aldgate East, if you are really fond of leather jackets. Watches, clothes, footwear, luggage and general goods are some of the other items the market offers. Interestingly, officially there is no market as Petticoat Lane Market in London today, but it is just the local language that has kept the name alive! The Petticoat Lane Market is located on Wentworth Street and Middlesex Street in East London, to the south of Old Spitalfields market. You can visit any time from Monday to Friday on the Wentworth Street, but it extends over many surrounding markets as well on Sundays. To access, the nearest tube stations are Aldgate East, Aldgate and Liverpool Street Station.