Fishing Smacks at Billingsgate, London, 1882

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Fishing Smacks at Billingsgate, London, 1882

Engraving showing some fishing smacks moored beside Billingsgate Fish Market, London, 1882. On the right of the image, some porters appear to be landing the catch from the boats

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Media ID 4397441

© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10221705

1882 Billingsgate Catch Landing Moored Porters Smacks

EDITORS COMMENTS
This engraving, titled 'Fishing Smacks at Billingsgate, London, 1882,' offers a fascinating glimpse into the bustling world of London's historic Billingsgate Fish Market during the late 19th century. The image captures the moment as fishing smacks, traditional sailing vessels used for fishing, are moored alongside the market. The boats, with their distinctive tall masts and narrow hulls, are laden with the day's catch, ready to be unloaded and sold to merchants and vendors. On the right side of the engraving, a group of porters can be seen actively involved in the landing process. Dressed in heavy coats and hats, they work diligently to transport the freshly caught fish from the boats to the market. The porters' determined expressions and the sense of urgency in their movements convey the importance of the timely delivery of the catch. The month is indicated as November or December, suggesting that the fishermen had braved the harsh winter conditions to bring in their catch. The image provides a captivating insight into the historical significance of Billingsgate Fish Market, which was once the largest inland fish market in the world, and the crucial role that the fishing industry played in London's economy during this era. The intricate details in this engraving, sourced from ILN (Illustrated London News), offer a unique perspective into the past, allowing us to appreciate the rich maritime history of London and the vital role that the fishing industry played in shaping the city's cultural landscape.

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