Borough Market in Southwark, south London, have been awarded a blue plaque for its contribution to the community

Borough Market in Southwark - London’s oldest fruit and veg market – has been given a blue plaque heritage honour to celebrate more than 250 years of trading.

The plaque from Southwark Council recognises the market’s outstanding contribution to the local community.

Borough Market has occupied its current site just south of Southwark Cathedral since the 18th century, although records show traders were selling goods on the south side of London Bridge as far back as 1014.

The market was closed by Parliament in 1755, but a group of Southwark residents raised £6,000 to buy a patch of land known locally as The Triangle, formerly the churchyard of St Margaret’s, and reopened the market.

The Triangle, the location of Northfield Farm and Furness Fish and Game, is still at the heart of the market.

Borough Market today has more than 100 stalls offering a variety of British and international produce.

Later this year, the area known as 3 Crown Square will be handed back following the completion of Network Rail work, and this will see the return of the fully restored Victorian market roof and a new home for the market’s traders.

Veronica Ward, Southwark’s cabinet member for culture, said: “Borough Market is not only part of the borough’s long history but a famous landmark in London which sells produce of a very high quality and sets a high standard for food in London. It is wonderful that the market should be recognised in this way.”

Donald Hyslop, chairman of the Trustees of Borough Market, said: “Borough Market is honoured to have been awarded this blue plaque voted for by the people of Southwark.

“Since the 13th century, the market has served London and continues to do so today, providing the city with a sustainable, independent, quality food market, rooted in the local community.”

Market trader Philip Crouch, of The Parma Ham & Mozzarella company, said: “Borough Market’s traders share a love of food and many of them make, grow and rear the produce they sell so our customers know exactly where their shopping has come from.

“As a result, the market is a vast repository of culinary knowledge. It is a place to explore, to ask questions, discover new flavours and savour the unique atmosphere.”

More than 50 blue plaques have been installed across Southwark, with previous recipients including Henry Cooper, Charlie Chaplin, The Rose Theatre and Isambard Kingdom Brunel.