SMITHFIELD. This name has become so celebrated, in connection with a cattle market in London that it has been applied to similar establishments elsewhere Smith field, in the 12th c., was an open spot which served the citizens as a playground and a place for a stroll. Being a little n. of Newgate, and w. of Aldersgate, it was outside the city walls. It was in Smithfield that the rebel Wat Tyler met his death in 1381. Ser. trial 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 inci dents 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 Smithfield at least seven centuries ago, for Fitzstephen has 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 At one time there was a project for removing the market to a field near Sadlers'- Wells, at another to a spot near the n. end of Gray's Inn lane: while a spirited projector spent £100,000 in building '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 11 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 Smithfield was practically
useless. In 1860, however, the corporation obtained an act for erecting market buildings on the site of Smithfield, 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 Nov., 1q68, is 636 ft. long by 246 broad, is traversed by numerous avenues, and has about 200 shops for dealers in meat, which is partly coun try-killed. This arungement 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 n. of Laulon. Near the middle of Smithfield 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, etc., distinct from the meat-market. The extensive new works and altera tions have greatly improved the appearance of Smithfield, and increased its salubrity.