billingsgate etymology

Etymology:

  • Billings (as in payment) + Gate (a large doorway or opening into an enclosed place)

Meaning and Origin:

Billingsgate is a toponym that originally referred to a gate in the Roman city of Londinium. It was named after the Roman governor, Quintus Vivius Scapula, who built the city's first stone wall in 120 AD. The gate served as an entrance into the city from the east, where Billingsgate Wharf was later established.

Over time, the name Billingsgate became associated with the fish market that developed near the wharf. Billingsgate Market was established in the 13th century and became one of London's busiest and most important fish markets. It was known for its noisy and often profane language, and the term "billingsgate" came to be used as a synonym for vulgar or foul language.

The original Billingsgate Gate was long ago demolished, but the name Billingsgate remains associated with the area around the market. Today, Billingsgate Market has moved to a new location in Canary Wharf, but the name "Billingsgate" is still used as a reference to the fish market industry in London.

billingsgate relate terms

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