This is East London's famous Sunday morning market that has been trading for more than two centuries. In Elizabethan times, the market was called Hog Lane, because this is where pigs were sold. The Sunday market grew out of observance of the Jewish Sabbath on Saturday. Amongst the bargains hanging up on the rails were second hand goods, hence the expression 'hand me downs'.

The name of todays’ market is derived from the petticoats that French immigrants used to sell in the area, but in 1846, the horrified Victorian authorities renamed the street Middlesex Street as it was deemed improper to have a street named after ladies underwear. However, it was too late and the original name stuck.

Prices are rarely shown, so you should bargain with the trader for the best price, particularly if you're paying with cash. There is said to be over a thousand stalls spread over Middlesex Street, Wentworth Street and surrounding roads. The market is known for its cut-price fashion clothes, fabrics, jewellery, china, toys, textiles, household gadgets and electrical items. At the Aldgate East end of the market, there is a large area devoted to leather jackets. Frying Pan Alley', is at the opposite end of 'The Lane' close to Liverpool Street. It got its name from the ironmongers who used frying pans to identify their premises.

The founder of the AMSTRAD Computer business and Chairman of the Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, Sir Alan Sugar began his career as a Petticoat Lane Trader. His earnings in 1999 totalled some £9.45 million.

Middlesex St, E1. Open Sunday 9am to 2pm Wentworth Street also open Monday to Friday 10am 2.30pm Nearest Underground Stations – Liverpool Street & Aldgate East.

Next month: Portobello Rd