From dawn to dusk

Wakey, wakey! Ellie Fazan follows London's early risers and late-night lovers as they ease us into an exploration of times past, present and future in our ever-restless Capital…

6.30am
Dawn breaks, seagulls circle and the market at Billingsgate is humming with activity.

‘Do I groan when the alarm goes off? No. I think “Today's going to be the day I do those bastards.” Otherwise what would be the point? lt's a myth you need eight hours. I’ve been working at Billingsgate for 50 years, so my body is conditioned. I go to bed at 11.30 and sleep for an hour and a half. When I get to the market, my boys are there, sorting fish. I don't care about football or Coronation Street. I care about fish. I couldn’t stay married to two women, it was Billingsgate or my wife. I lost my wife. We finish at the market at 10am, and I try and get to sleep again by one or two in the afternoon.’

Roger Barton, fish trader, Billingsgate Market, E14