Event    From 1898  To 1960

Columbia Market

In 1852, the area Novia Scotia Gardens being a notorious slum, Angela Burdett-Coutts bought it with the intention of developing healthy accommodation for the poor and a market for their use. However the refuse collector using part of the site had a lease until 1859.  Only then could Coutts could carry out her plan.

She had Columbia Market built as a covered food market with 400 stalls. But for various reasons it was not a success, and after being used as warehouse and workshops the market closed in 1886. Immediately east of the market Coutts also built the residential Columbia Dwellings, completed 1859-62, which had its own swimming pool and baths and a laundry, all designed by Henry Darbishire. The name 'Columbia' was chosen in recognition of the bishopric of British Columbia, founded by Burdett-Coutts in 1857.

Drawings and photos show some impressive buildings, but despite their quality they were condemned in 1958 and demolished in 1960. The modernist tower block Sivill House and other low-rise housing replaced the Coutts buildings. The new streets having names such as Old Market Square and Georgina Gardens.

Both this 1916 map and this 1895 map show the location very well. Using current street names: the development filled the site south of Baroness Road and north of Columbia Road. The market was between the eastern edge of the nursery school and the shortest N-S stump of Baroness Road. The residential blocks filled the space east of this stump of Baroness Road across to the N-S footpath in Ravenscroft Park.

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This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Columbia Market

Commemorated ati

Columbia Market air raid shelter memorial

In memory of those who lost their lives when a bomb penetrated the Columbia M...

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Other Subjects

Edward Montague Nelson

Edward Montague Nelson

Businessman and local politician. Born Warwick but spent most of his working life in London. His businesses tended to have colonial, especially Australian, connections. Lived at Hanger Hill House,...

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1 memorial
Cadby Hall

Cadby Hall

In 1894 J. Lyons & Co. acquired Cadby Hall, an old piano workshop, which they turned into their factory producing standardised, consistent products for their restaurants. From our picture sour...

Building, Commerce, Food & Drink

1 memorial
Mark Hanbury Beaufoy

Mark Hanbury Beaufoy

Businessman and politician. Born South Lambeth, nephew of Henry Beaufoy. Aged 10 he inherited the business. 1881 chaired the meeting at which the Children's Society was founded. 1884 married Mildre...

Person, Food & Drink, Politics & Administration

2 memorials
Albion Tavern

Albion Tavern

26 Russell Street (previously Great Russel Street).  Pubs History lists licencees from 1848 but it dates back to the 18th century at least.  Closed by 1922.

Building, Community / Clubs, Food & Drink

1 memorial
Fanny Cradock

Fanny Cradock

An early TV cook.  Born at the site of the plaque in Apthorp, as Phyllis Pechey.  A double bigamist, she only married her fourth husband Johnny, who appeared on TV with her, when she was 68.  A ser...

Person, Food & Drink, TV & Radio

1 memorial