Smithfield Market

A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.

On the south side of Charterhouse Street, north of West Smith field, in Farringdon Ward Without (P.O. Directory).


First mention: S. 382.

A great horse and cattle market.

In the 17th and 18th centuries the buildings in connection with the Market consisted only of pens for sheep and cattle, constructed on the western side of West Smithfield and called "Smithfield Penns'" (O. and M. 1677, and Rocque, 1746, and Strype, ed. 1720 and 1755). In the O.S. 1848-51 the market covers the central area, but in 1855 it was removed to Copenhagen Fields. In O.S.1875-8o the new buildings for the dead-meat market were in course of construction on the northern side, while the central area was. left open as at present.

The market buildings cover the site of numerous small Courts and alleys as: "Three Fox Court," "Bell Inn," the southern end of "St. John Street," "Adam and Eve Court," "Ram Inn," "Rose Inn," "Chick Lane," "Duke's Court."

See London Central Markets.

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