Plans to move the City of London wholesale markets to Dagenham may face a challenge due to a law that was enacted 775 years ago. The Royal Charter granted by King Henry III in 1247
prohibits a market from being set up within a day's sheep drive, which is about 6.66 miles, from Romford Market. Havering Council is concerned about the impact that the relocated markets could have on retail trade and could enforce the medieval law to prevent the move. The markets will need Parliamentary approval before they can be relocated.
The City of London Corporation filed a Private Bill with Parliament last November to gain approval to move Smithfield and Billingsgate markets to Dagenham Dock. While the bill was in the petitioning period, Havering Council objected based on the Royal Charter that founded Romford Market over 700 years ago. The Charter stipulates that no other market can be set up within a day's walk for a sheep from Romford Market, which is approximately 6.66 miles or 10.7 km.
The council does not always enforce the Charter on other markets in the area, but it is concerned about how the relocation of the City markets will affect local trade, especially if they are allowed to sell at retail to individuals. Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, said that while the council supported the wholesale markets moving to Dagenham, the issue of retail trade had not been written into the bill. He explained that Romford Market is the only retail market allowed to operate within six and two-thirds miles according to the Royal Charter of 1247, and this relocation could potentially cause a loss of trade and business to the historic market.
Morgon further stated that while they welcome the move, they ask that the bill be redrafted to restrict the relocated markets to wholesale-exclusive trade. They are willing to discuss the licensing of any retail on the site in the same way that they do for other local markets.
In response to the potential objection from Havering, a City of London Corporation spokesperson said that they believe co-location is the best way of securing the long-term future of the markets. It would provide market tenants with room for growth and modern, environmentally sustainable facilities that are fit for the 21st century while stimulating economic growth in Barking and Dagenham.
The petitioning period for the bill has ended, and it is still under review in the House of Commons. The issue of retail trade needs to be addressed before the bill is approved. The relocation of the City markets to Dagenham will require an amendment to the Royal Charter, which is over 700 years old. The medieval law could potentially stand in the way of the markets' relocation, as Havering Council may enforce it to prevent retail trade at the relocated markets. Photo by Jorge Royan, Wikimedia commons.