There is a well-known district in London called Camden Town. It has a long history, and Charles Dickens lived there once upon a time. In 1816 the Regent’s Canal: one of London’s major canals: opened. At 13.8 kilometres long, it ran right through the centre of Camden. Large barges carrying coal would be pulled along the canal. It was heavy work and sometimes the horses got injured. For this reason, a horse hospital was built in Camden, right next to the canal.
Horses pulled barges through Camden Town for nearly 150 years, but by the mid-1950s, that business came to an end and the horse hospital had to close down. The buildings were left empty until 1972 when they were leased to craft workers. They would sell their work in these buildings at the weekend, and this is how Camden Town became known as Camden Market. Today, Camden Market is one of the coolest places in London to go weekend shopping.
I made my way over there one sunny Sunday afternoon. I wanted to find some clothes for a party. I was looking for something different, something unusual, and I was spoilt for choice. You can still by handicrafts, but the majority of the stalls today are filled with the most weird and wonderful clothing you could ever wish to find. Of course, there are T-shirts, cheap jewellery and jackets to be found: just like in a place like Ladies Market in Mong Kok: but if you are looking for anything out of the ordinary, this is the place to be.
The great thing about Camden is that if all the shopping overwhelms you, Regents Canal is still there. What’s more, you can take a barge trip along the canal if you like. Horses no longer pull the barges! They have engines, but it’s a fun way to see a different side of north London. You can also see London Zoo from the canal.
Artists work by the roadside. The portraits drawn with chalk on the pavement were quite exceptional. I was not sure how you would take them home though!
There are also some great places to eat with food from all over the world. Asia is well represented with kimchi, sushi, noodles and dim sum all readily available. Fresh fruit juice stalls and ice-cream vans can easily be found, which just furthers your enjoyment of the market all the more. There is nothing like an ice-cream or cup of freshly squeezed orange juice to help you concentrate on the important business of shopping!
Camden Town is well worth a visit if you want to find clothes that will make you stand out. It’s also a great place for people watching. You do not negotiate the prices, but if you look carefully you will find some fantastic bargains.
Must try food at Camden Market:
QUESTION:
VOCABULARY:
