This week, news broke about the closure of Smithfield Meat Market, an iconic site in London with over 850 years of history. The market has dwindled over the years, leaving local businesses and longtime vendors like butcher John Burt feeling a profound sense of loss.
Smithfield Meat Market's 850-Year Legacy Draws to a Close
Smithfield Meat Market's 850-Year Legacy Draws to a Close
The historic Smithfield Meat Market in London, a bustling hub for livestock trade since the 12th century, is set to shut down as the City of London Corporation abandons relocation plans.
The historic Smithfield Meat Market, operating in London since at least the year 1174, is preparing to shut its doors for good. The landmark, known for its bustling livestock trade, has witnessed a steady decline over the years as modern practices and changing consumer habits forced a transformation in the marketplace. Recent efforts by the City of London Corporation to relocate the market to a new site in East London were officially scrapped this week, confirming the market's impending closure.
Butchers and vendors have expressed their dismay at the announcement. John Burt, who has been running his shop just across the street for 22 years, reflected on the market's transformation into a shadow of its former self. “I’m sad about it,” Burt, 64, said, pointing out how unimaginable it seemed that such a historic site could close.
Established under King Edward III’s rule in 1327, Smithfield has survived the test of time, showcasing Victorian architecture since its construction in the 1860s. The market once served as a vibrant focal point for meat trades, contributing to London's culture and economy for centuries.
As the community grapples with this loss, the legacy of Smithfield Meat Market serves as a reminder of the city's rich history and the evolving nature of commerce. While local shops like Burt's butcher will remain, the closing of this 850-year-old market marks the end of an era for London’s culinary landscape.
Butchers and vendors have expressed their dismay at the announcement. John Burt, who has been running his shop just across the street for 22 years, reflected on the market's transformation into a shadow of its former self. “I’m sad about it,” Burt, 64, said, pointing out how unimaginable it seemed that such a historic site could close.
Established under King Edward III’s rule in 1327, Smithfield has survived the test of time, showcasing Victorian architecture since its construction in the 1860s. The market once served as a vibrant focal point for meat trades, contributing to London's culture and economy for centuries.
As the community grapples with this loss, the legacy of Smithfield Meat Market serves as a reminder of the city's rich history and the evolving nature of commerce. While local shops like Burt's butcher will remain, the closing of this 850-year-old market marks the end of an era for London’s culinary landscape.
