What was the Smithfield market known for?

Smithfield Market, London’s historic, 10th-century market in the City, is renowned as the UK’s largest wholesale meat market and one of Europe’s oldest continuously operating markets. It was historically known for trading livestock (horses, cattle), public executions (including William Wallace), and serving as a bustling, often chaotic trade hub.

What is Smithfield Market famous for?

Smithfield is London's historic meat market – and an area that's witnessed both public executions and the excitement of Bartholomew Fair. Now it's home to London Museum. Smithfield livestock market in 1811, 50 years before it became a wholesale meat market.

What is Smithfield known for?

Smithfield Ham and Culinary Delights:

Smithfield is renowned for its mouthwatering hams, which have become a signature culinary delight. The town's long-standing tradition of curing and smoking ham has garnered worldwide acclaim.

What is the history of Smithfield?

The name of Smithfield is linked with the cattle markets of London and Dublin. In the 19th century, Smithfield used to be a semi-rural village, before becoming a large commercial centre in the early 20th century, in addition to featuring a significant employment centre in south-western Sydney.

What celebrities live in Spitalfields?

Amongst the many well known artists living in Spitalfields are Gilbert and George, Tracey Emin and Stuart Brisley.

London Fun Facts Walking Tour - Clerkenwell & Smithfield

Does the Smithfield Market still exist?

In the week that the City of London voted to close Smithfield Market for good after more than 800 years of trading, I publish the work of photographer Orlando Gili who has been down at the market, documenting the last generation of butchers to work at this ancient site.

Why are there elephants at Spitalfields Market?

A powerful public art installation in London's Spitalfields celebrating elephants and coexistence, the Herd of Hope is a moving tribute to Africa's elephants and the urgent conservation work needed to secure their future.

Is Smithfield Market worth visiting?

With over eight centuries of history as a livestock market, its architectural beauty and historical significance make it a must-see landmark. Visitors can explore the market's role in London's evolution, gaining insights into the city's past while observing its vibrant present-day operations.

Why is the Smithfield Market closing down?

In a surprising turn of events, the world-famous meat and fish markets might not actually be closing down for good. Phew. The City of London Corporation voted to withdraw its support for the 850-year-old markets in November 2024, meaning they would have to shut forever by 2028.

What's the best time to visit Smithfield Market?

Get there early. The market is open from 2am-7am, however the best stock gets snapped up fast! Peak time to visit is around 4am. Parking is available at the Rotunda car park and market customers get a special rate.

What is the difference between Spitalfields Market and Old Spitalfields Market?

Spitalfields Market and Old Spitalfields Market are essentially the same vibrant destination in London's East End, though sometimes considered slightly different sections – Old Spitalfields Market refers to the historic Victorian covered market hall (focusing on antiques, vintage, crafts on certain days), while "Spitalfields Market" often encompasses the broader area including modern shops, food stalls, and pop-ups around the original structure, with both offering diverse shopping, dining, and events, especially busy on weekends. 

What is the oldest market in London?

Borough Market has a history spanning over a millenium and is widely considered London's oldest retail and wholesale food market. It's been operating at its current site since 1756. With over 100 stalls covering about 4.5 acres, Borough Market is also one of the largest food markets in the capital.

Can the public go to Smithfield Market?

Yes, London's historic Smithfield Meat Market is still open for business in early 2026, operating early mornings Monday to Friday, but plans are confirmed for its permanent closure by 2028, with the City of London Corporation voting to wind down operations and relocate traders to new premises, ending centuries of trading at the site. 

What are some interesting facts about Smithfield Market?

A grim history of execution and revolution

It was also the site of martyrdom during the Reformation; people were tortured and killed here on many occasions. Most of those executed at Smithfield were religious dissenters, particularly during the peak of the Reformation and Counter Reformation in the 16th century.

What was Old Spitalfields Market famous for?

The Victorian Market

Their success made Spitalfields Market a major centre for the sale of fresh produce, trading six days a week. Spitalfields fell into decline after the 1820's and gained a reputation as cheap area in which to live, proving a magnet to numerous waves of immigrants.

What is the story of Jumbo?

History. Jumbo was born around December 25, 1860, in Sudan, and after his mother was killed by poachers, the infant Jumbo was captured by Sudanese elephant poacher Taher Sheriff and German big-game poacher Johann Schmidt. The calf was sold to Lorenzo Casanova, an Italian animal dealer and explorer.

Are elephants Shirley and Jenny still alive?

Though Jenny passed in 2006, Shirley lived on peacefully until 2021, passing away at the age of 72.

What is the history of the Smithfield Market in London?

Smithfield area. In the Middle Ages, it was a broad grassy area known as Smooth Field, located beyond London Wall and stretching to the eastern bank of the River Fleet. Given its ease of access to grazing and water, Smithfield established itself as London's livestock market, remaining so for almost 1,000 years.

Why is the Smithfield Market closing?

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.

Can you buy meat from an abattoir in the UK?

Yes, you can buy meat directly from abattoirs in the UK, especially smaller, local ones that offer direct sales, private kills (where you buy a whole or half animal for butchering to your specs), or sell to the public, often alongside their wholesale operations for butchers, providing very fresh, traceable, and high-quality meat. Finding them involves searching for approved establishments and contacting them to see if they offer direct-to-consumer services, sometimes requiring you to buy larger quantities like a half carcass. 

Where do billionaires live in London?

The Bishops Avenue. The Bishops Avenue, London N2, connects the north side of Hampstead Heath at Kenwood (Hampstead Lane), Hampstead to East Finchley and lies near or, at the south end, on the boundary between the London Boroughs of Barnet and Haringey. It is considered to be one of the wealthiest streets in the world.

Why is it called Spitalfields?

Spitalfields got its name from the area around St. Mary Spital, a religious house founded by Walter and Rosina Brune in 1197. It became a hospital ('spittle') in 1235. The Whitechapel and Spitalfields area is well known for its places of worship, eateries and textile industries.