Smithfield

About Smithfield

Smithfield lies to the back of Christ's Hospital and has been used over the centuries as London's main livestock and meat market. The meat market still exists today, though there is a question mark hanging over its future in that particular location due to the high value of the land. Like many of London's markets it may end up being moved to cheaper land.

In ancient times, being a large open space, it was the scene of amusements, tournaments and even executions; it was here that Walworth, Mayor of London, slew Wat Tyler, who was the leader of a rebellion. In Smithfield, during the reign of Queen Mary, several Protestants were burned at the stake; it is thought they were burnt just opposite the entrance to the gate of St. Bartholomew's Priory.

The Scottish patriot, William Wallace, was beheaded here. For a long time Smithfield was the only cattle market in London, but is now held at Copenhagen Fields, and the present Central London Meat Market was erected here.

There are two churches here, one called St. Bartholomew the Less, within the precincts of St. Bartholomew's Hospital; the other, St. Bartholomew the Great, was founded in 1102.