King Charles has arrived at Surrey Street Market in Croydon today, as the historic market marks 750 years since it was granted its Royal Charter. The King received a cheerful reception from locals at the market.
The King’s visit comes as the market celebrates the milestone anniversary, and traders and shoppers have gathered in the town centre for the occasion.
Surrey Street Market sits at the heart of Croydon town centre, and the royal visit puts the spotlight on one of south London’s oldest markets at a moment when the town centre is looking to its future.
Town centre businesses in Croydon recently voted decisively to keep their Business Improvement District running for another five years, handing the organisation a fifth consecutive term. The ballot produced one of the strongest results in the BID’s history, with 92.8 per cent of votes cast in favour of renewal, and the renewed mandate runs from 1 April 2027 through to 31 March 2032.
The 750th anniversary is a rare milestone for a London street market, and the King’s visit is the centrepiece of the celebrations marking the Royal Charter granted seven and a half centuries ago. The market is one of the oldest known street markets in the UK and has been operating since 1276.
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: “Few places can say they have served their community for 750 years. Surrey Street Market can, and that is something Croydon can be incredibly proud of.”
Updates, pictures and reaction from the visit will appear in the live blog below as the day unfolds.
This is a developing story. Updates will appear in the live blog below as more information becomes available.
Updated: 13 November at 1.00pm — The King has arrived in Croydon.
