SMITHFIELD
SMITHFIELD, a noted cattle-market in London, was in the 12th c. an open spot which served the citizens as a playground and a place for a stroll. Being a little north of Newgate, and west of Aldersgate, it was outside the city walls. It was in S. that the rebel Wat Tyler met his death in 1381. Several noted tournaments were held here; and the place is associated with trials by battle, the burnings of martyrs, public executions during many centuries, and a variety of incidents connected with the history of the metropolis.
The most celebrated fair in England, Bartholomew Fair (q. v.), was always held in Smithfield.
A cattle-market was held in S. at least seven centuries ago, for Fitzstephen mentioned it in 1150. The corporation had official control over the market for more than 500 years, dating from 1345; and the city authorities have never to this day relaxed their hold over the one only live-cattle market in the metropolis. At one time, there was a project for removing the market to a field near Sadlers’ Wells, at another, to a spot near the north end of Gray’s Inn Lane; while a spirited projector spent £100,000 in raiding a new market at Islington; but powerful influences prevented the removal of the cattle-market until 1855.
The last market-day in the old spot was on June llth in that year; after which, the trade was transferred to the large and very complete establishment built by the corporation at Pentonville. For several years after this, S. was practically useless. In 1860, however, the corporation obtained an act for erecting market buildings on the site of S., and the first stone of a magnificent Dead-meat Market, from the designs of Mr. Horace Jones, the city architect, was laid in June 1867. The building, which was formally opened in November 1868, is 636 feet long, by 246 broad, is traversed by numerous avenues, and has about 200 shops for dealers in meat, which is partly country-killed. This arrangement has enabled the city authorities to abolish Newgate Market, which had become a serious obstruction to city traffic. Under the market, three railways sunk deeply below the ground-level, traverse the area—one going eastward to Aldersgate and Finsbury, one southward to Ludgate and Blackfriars, and one north-westward to King’s Cross and the north of London. Near the middle of S. is a circular spiral road descending to an underground railway goods-station. The remainder is laid out in well-paved carriage and foot ways with a small ornamental green or garden, including paths, seats, and a drinking-fountain. There is also a new market for poultry, butter, cheese, pork, &c., distinct from the meat-market. The extensive new works and alterations have greatly improved the appearance of S., and increased its salubrity.