Today Smithfield is a distinctive part of the City of London, tucked away behind St Paul's Cathedral, it has managed to retain its village atmosphere. This part of the City has no major financial institutions, instead at its centre there is an attractive small, circular park which is surrounded by Smithfield Meat Market, St Bartholomew’s Hospital (known as Barts) and a couple of delightful churches.

History

When the Romans built their City Wall, in about 200AD, Smithfield was outside of the City’s boundaries and therefore outside its jurisdiction. During the Middle Ages it was a gruesome place where public executions where held. The executions involved a variety of methods including burnings and beheadings.

St Bartholomew the Great and St Bartholomew the Less

There are two churches dedicated to St Bartholomew. St Bartholomew the Great is the largest and has featured in many films. The smaller church of St Bartholomew the Less is situated in the grounds of Barts Hospital. It was rebuilt by Thomas Hardwick in the 1800s. The walls and stained glass have memorials to the medical staff.

Things to look out for

Restored Victorian Meat Market designed by Horace Jones

Plaques and memorials commemorating those who were executed in the area

The statue which commemorates where the Great Fire of London of 1666 ended

To explore the area further book on a Smithfield or Sinister Smithfield walk.

If you enjoyed this you might like reading my blog to find out more about the City Of London.

The author of this blog is a qualified City of London and City of Westminster Tour Guide who leads guided walks combining world famous landmarks with hidden treasures often missed by the crowds.

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