Kingston upon Thames has one of the oldest market histories in England — a market has traded in the town since at least the early 13th century, when royal charters gave it the right to hold one. That long tradition is exactly why news of a fire at the ancient market place in south-west London has landed hard with locals and visitors alike. According to Secret London, the market place has been closed following the blaze, and the reopening timetable is currently unclear.
The market sits in the heart of Kingston's historic old town, just a short walk from the riverside where the coronation stone of seven Saxon kings is said to rest. It's the kind of place that pulls double duty for visitors: a functioning shopping spot by day, and a handsome historic square surrounded by old buildings, independent cafés and the kind of street life you don't get in a purpose-built shopping centre. Kingston itself has become one of London's more rewarding day trips — a riverside walk along the Thames towards Hampton Court takes you past pubs, boat hire and some surprisingly quiet stretches for a spot inside the M25.
What happens now depends on the investigation and repair work. Markets like this one usually operate from permanent stalls with neighbouring businesses affected too, so closures ripple beyond the square itself. Anyone planning a visit in the near term should check the market's official channels before travelling, and expect some disruption around the immediate area.
For travellers, the takeaway is simple: Kingston is still worth the trip even while its centrepiece is off-limits. The riverside, the ancient Clattern Bridge, the Coronation Stone and the walk to Hampton Court Palace — about an hour's stroll along the towpath — all remain open for business. And when the market does reopen, supporting the traders will matter more than ever after a setback like this.
