Smithfield became London's livestock market in the Middle Ages. Animals reared as far away as the Midlands were brought here for sale. In 1174, William Fitzstephen described it as “A smooth field where every Friday there is a celebrated rendezvous of fine horses to be sold…
The area is best known for the Smithfield meat market, which dates from the 10th century, has been in continuous operation since medieval times, and is now London's only remaining wholesale market. Smithfield's principal street is called West Smithfield.
Smithfield Market is one of the oldest markets in London, primarily known for livestock and meat trading. However, it is not specifically a cloth market. The oldest cloth market in London is generally considered to be the 'Cloth Fair' which was established in the 12th century. Therefore, the statement is false.
Smithfield is primarily a market dealing with cut and boxed meats and poultry – however some traders deal in provisions such as olive oils and cheeses (see pages on individual Traders or the site search).
From bacon, breakfast sausage, hot dogs, smoked sausage, and lunchmeat to fresh pork and holiday harms, Farmer John carefully crafts quality meats and foods that you can be proud to share with family and friends.
Set under twinkling lights, the Smithfield Christmas Market will feature red-roof chalets brimming with artisan food, festive drinks, and unique gifts. Enjoy a mulled wine or warm cider, savor the best local treats, and soak up the holiday atmosphere on the cobblestones of Smithfield Square.
As the largest wholesale meat market in the UK and one of the largest in Europe, Smithfield Market is a cornerstone of London's culinary scene and a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
Smithfield was almost a city within a city – and one with its own hours. To give customers time to buy and prepare their meat for sale the same day, the market opened at night.
While many are concerned for traders and the loss of the market's unique sights, sounds and smells, the corporation's decision – blamed on rising costs – is just the latest step in the decades' long transformation of the wider Smithfield area.
Today, there are almost 12,700 supermarkets in the UK, with the largest chain being Co-op Food – the brand that launched Britain's first supermarket 76 years ago. Back in 1948, the first UK self-service shop was the London Co-operative Society's unique store in Manor Park, in the East End borough of Newham.
The City Guides run walking tours of Smithfield for members of the public on a monthly basis. Hear how Smithfield meat market has changed throughout its 800 year history and experience its working life first-hand on this special tour.
If the plans proceed, the Smithfield site will become home to the new London Museum, while the land at Canary Wharf that will be unlocked by relocating Billingsgate could provide around 2,000 new homes, it said.
Traders working from a collection of sheds and stalls did their best to meet the needs of London's rapidly growing population and their appetite for fresh fruit and vegetables. Their success made Spitalfields Market a major centre for the sale of fresh produce, trading six days a week.
The Town of Smithfield was named after John Smith, “The Miller,” who was granted land by Roger Williams. Smith was one of the original party of six men headed by Roger Williams that formed the first settlement in Rhode Island.
What is the Smithfield Christmas market in London?
The Smithfield Market Christmas Eve meat auction is an annual holiday tradition in London. Every year, buyers visit the historic London market to buy surplus cuts of meat in cash-only bargain transactions.
Located in the heart of East London, this is the original East London market place that has been on-site for over 350 years. It all started back in 1638 when King Charles I gave a licence for flesh, fowl and roots to be sold on Spittle Fields, which used to be a rural area on the eastern outskirts of London.
Still, the news this week that Smithfield will close — its owner, the City of London Corporation, killed a plan to move the market to a new site in East London — came as something of a jolt to him.
The City of London and Smithfield traders have come to an agreement for the market to move to a 'New Smithfield' which will be 'within the M25'. Traders will move after the historic market in Farringdon closes in 2028.
Entry to the Christmas Market is free of charge while for certain attractions such as the Ice Rink and Ice Museum, advance purchase of tickets is recommended via the website. Tickets for the Big Wheel are available on site. Find out more at www.christmasspectacular.ie.
In addition to owning over 500 farms in the US, Smithfield contracts with another 2,000 independent farms around the country to raise Smithfield's pigs. Outside the US, the company has facilities in Mexico, Poland, Romania, Germany, Slovakia and the United Kingdom.
What is the most famous Christmas Market in the UK?
Bath. Bath Christmas Market is both of one of the country's biggest and most enchanting; more than 170 stalls are squeezed into the cobbled streets around the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey.
Increasing traffic restrictions, congestion and other practical considerations such as constrained sites, and in the case of Smithfield a Grade II* listed site, mean Traders are unable to grow and prosper by staying in their present locations.
The largest Christmas market and one of the most well known is the Vienna Christmas World on Rathausplatz, near the Rathaus, Vienna's historic city hall.
