Grimsby Heritage - Freeman Street

The land on which Freeman Street Market stands was sold to the Grimsby Freemen for only 24 pence during the reign of Edward III (1327-1377). It formed part of one hundred and twenty acres of land which frequently flooded due to the fact it was eighteen feet below the high water level of the River Humber.

Freeman Street Market opened in 1873 and, at the time the stalls were lit by oil lamps. As a result many store holders went home minus hair and eyebrows! Popular buys during this time were oil, scented fruit, vegetables and sweets.

On October 29th 1938 the stalls were lit by electricity for the first time, and the smell and dangers of the oil lamps became a thing of the past.

As Grimsby began to flourish as the world's largest fishing port so too did Freeman Street. The market soon became the main place to sell fresh fish.

During its hey-day the street was a popular haunt for returning fishing crews who would spend their hard-earned wages in the many pubs and other places of entertainment.

Since the decline of the fishing industry the street now has a quieter atmosphere, however it still has plenty to offer to the more discerning shopper.

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