MORE than 40 years ago a tradition that had lasted for many centuries came to an end in Southampton when the local fish market moved from its long-established home in French Street.

A new fish market had been purpose-built at the old cattle market near Central Bridge in 1959 and so the trade that had been carried out in and around the French Street area for about 500 years was no more.

New road plans and the general development of the local streets made the move by the fish market inevitable, much to the delight of the wholesalers.

By charter of Henry IV in 1401, the mayor and corporation were able to exercise all the duties of clerk of the fish market. This privilege was confirmed again in 1445 and then later in 1640.

In medieval times the fish market was in St Michael's Square, then in the early 1600s it moved to the High Street, only to return quickly to its former site.

Towards the end of the 18th century the market had expanded to sell butter, eggs, poultry, meat, herbs, fruit and garden produce on the French Street site.

By the end of the 19th century there was considerable agitation in the town for the provision of a proper market as the existing facility was too small, so many people had started selling fish on the pavement.

The fish market remained there right up to the end of the 1950s, having even survived a near-miss during a Second World War enemy bombing raid.

Various alternative sites for the fish market were investigated but were dismissed before planners settled on moving it to the cattle market. The new trade centre cost £18,000 to build and used about half of the former cattle market site where the old iron pens had been removed and the area levelled.