Smithfield Market - Sightseeing, London Landmarks

Smithfield Market

Tel: +44 (0)20 7248 3151

The present building for London's main wholesale meat market was built in 1868, by Sir Horace Jones.

Smithfield's use as a market started when the area was an open space, with records dating back to 1773, when horses were sold here.

Over the years Smithfield has also been the venue for jousting tournaments, duels and the boiling alive of witches. Not surprisingly there have been reports of ghosts being sighted around the market buildings, and even creepier, people have reported the smell of burning meat. For details of other ghostly sightings in London see London Ghosts.

The market comes to life around 4.30am and as a concession to the market workers; some public houses in the area are licensed to open at 6.30am.

Sections of the building are currently undergoing major refurbishment.

Opening Times
Monday - Friday 16:30 - 22:30 approx