Billingsgate Market, City of London, c1900 (1911). Billingsgate Wharf, Lower Thames Street, became the centre of a fish market during the 16th and 17th centuries but did not become formally established until an Act of Parliament in 1699. In 1872 the Corporation of London obtained an Act to rebuild and enlarge the market, which was done to plans by the City architect Horace Jones (1819-1887). From London - The City, by Sir Walter Besant. [Adam & Charles Black, London, 1911]