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Smithfield Meat Market

Smithfield Meat Market is the main meat market for London and the largest in the world, covering as it does, 10 acres of land. From about the 12th century up until 1855 the site had been used as a live cattle market, which is when the meat market moved from Smithfield to its present site in Charterhouse Street retaining though its name. It is thought that the name Smithfield came from a corruption of ‘smeth field’ Saxon for "Smoothfield". It is a pretty gory place and not one that is recommended for those with weak stomachs. For those who enjoy an early morning alcoholic beverage there are a few pubs close by that open at 06.00 am.

Located at: Charterhouse Street, London, EC1

Telephone: n/a

Opens: weekdays 04.00 am – 12.00 noon

Cost: free

Closest Subway Station: Barbican Station (Click to see more atrraction at this station)