Description and History of Site:-
Central Market is 630 ft. long by 240 ft. wide in two wings either side of central arcade. The whole is constructed in ornate cast iron, fronted in red brick and stone with four stone corner towers.

Additional market buildings were built 1886-88, 1898 and 1899.

Although damaged by bombs in WW2, much survives in use.

Parts destroyed by fire, 1958, were replaced 1963 by poultry market, by T. P. Bennett & Sons, (response to cheaper poultry and greater demand) with largest clear span dome in Europe.

Circular ramp, sett paved for horse drawn vehicles, led down to market's railway sidings (GWR and MR); GNR depot was in Farringdon Rd.

Market modernised to EU standards in 1996-1999. This involved the removal of interior fitting and installation of a environmentally controlled environment. External changes involved the fitting of sealed bays for lorries and replacement of 1950s canopies with attractive glass ones.
Since 1174 a meat market has occupied this site outside city walls. Present central market building designed by Sir Horace Jones and opened as London Central Meat Market, 1868.

Two firemen were killed in the 1958 fire due to their breathing apparatus running out of air. As a result of this a warning whistle to indicate 'low air' was installed in the system. For many years in fire brigades this was known as 'The Smithfield Whistle'.

Further Reading and References:-
Ashdown, John; Bussell, Michael; Carter, Paul. 'A Survey of Industrial Monuments of Greater London'. Thames Basin Archaeological Observers' Group, 1969
Bracegirdle, Brian et al. 'The Archaeology of the Industrial Revolution'. Heinemann Educational Books Ltd, 1973
Falconer, Keith. 'Guide to England's Industrial Heritage'. Batsford, 1980

Help us improve this entry

The compilers welcome corrections or additional information on all sites.
Any information provided will be verified before appearing on the web site.

Email comments

Key Words :- Wholesale meat market

Address :- Grand Avenue, London, Greater London, EC1
Grid Ref :- TQ 3183 8175
Co-ordinates :- Lat 51.519293 , Long -0.101349
Local Authority :- City of London
Pre 1974 County :- Greater London Council
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II*
Historic England List No - 1285241, 1381209, 1396459,
Site Condition :- Operational site, in use for original purpose
Site Dates :- 1868 -
Contributor :- GLIAS Database - 2 June 2018

Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © GLIAS Database