Portal:London/Showcase article/08 2009



Smithfield (also known as West Smithfield) is an area in the north-west part of the City of London, in the ward of Farringdon Without. It is mostly known for its centuries-old meat market, today the last surviving historical wholesale market in Central London. Smithfield has a bloody history of executions of heretics and political opponents, including the Scottish patriot William Wallace, Wat Tyler, leader of the Peasants' Revolt; and a long series of religious reformers and dissenters.

Today, the Smithfield area is dominated by the imposing, Grade II listed covered market designed by Victorian architect Sir Horace Jones in the second half of the 19th century. Some of the original market buildings were abandoned for decades and faced a threat of demolition, but they were saved as the result of a public inquiry and will be part of new urban development plans aimed at preserving the historical identity of this area.

Nearby, are also St Bartholomew's Hospital, the London Charterhouse and the former location of Newgate Prison.


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