The chicken market was held on this street since the city's early history. The lane crossed the Senne River via a stone-arched bridge called the pont des Bateaux. Beginning in 1604, a fish market was established at the bridge, henceforth dubbed the pont des Poissonniers. One half of the street was designated rue du Marché aux Poissons and one half rue du Marché aux Poulets. The chicken market held here was discontinued in 1802.
Historical Dictionary of Brussels. Paul F. State.