91-522: 51°31′08.76″N 0°06′13.02″W / 51.5191000°N 0.1036167°W / 51.5191000; -0.1036167 Charterhouse Street is a street on the north side of Smithfield in the City of London . The road forms part of the City’s boundary with the neighbouring London Boroughs of Islington and Camden . It connects Charterhouse Square and Holborn Circus , crossing Farringdon Road and running along
182-546: A court of Assistants (board of directors), responsible for company business and electing its Master and Wardens. The " Clerk to the Company" is the most senior permanent member of staff, who as chief executive officer runs its day-to-day activities. The livery companies elect a majority of the members of the Livery Committee, a body administered at Guildhall . The committee oversees the elections of Sheriffs and
273-732: A guild or meeting hall such as in Derry , a city in Northern Ireland founded and named after London livery companies in the 17th century. Though these halls faced destruction in the Great London Fire of 1666 and during the Blitz of World War II , over forty companies still own or share ownership of livery halls, some elaborate and historic, others modern replacements for halls destroyed or redeveloped. Most of these halls are made available for use by other companies not having
364-531: A challenge/demand from the floor for a ballot which would be held a week later. Any two liverymen may nominate a candidate for the freedom of the City. Before the Reform Act 1832 the liverymen had the exclusive right to elect the four Members of Parliament (MPs) representing the City. Between 1832 and 1918 being a liveryman was one of a number of possible franchises which could qualify a parliamentary elector in
455-573: A charitable foundation; it was the basis of the school named Charterhouse and almshouses known as Sutton's Hospital in Charterhouse on its former site. The school was relocated to Godalming in 1872. Until 1899 Charterhouse was extra-parochial ; that year it became a civil parish incorporated in the Metropolitan Borough of Finsbury . Some of the property was damaged during The Blitz , but it remains largely intact. Part of
546-451: A corps rather than a guild. City Livery Club , founded in 1914, is a livery-oriented organisation of over 1000 members based at Bell Wharf Lane near Southwark Bridge. The club's motto is uniting the livery, promoting fellowship . The Guild of Young Freemen and the Guild of Freemen of the City of London , whilst not being livery companies, are popular associations amongst the freemen of
637-459: A cow or a dozen sheep one could get 1 penny. The livestock market expanded over the centuries to meet demand from the growing population of the City. In 1710, the market was surrounded by a wooden fence containing the livestock within the market. Until the market's abolition, the Gate House at Cloth Fair ("Fair Gate") employed a chain ( le cheyne ) on market days. Daniel Defoe referred to
728-640: A few years earlier, upon the arrival of his consort Isabel of Bavaria . Geoffrey Chaucer supervised preparations for the tournament as a clerk to the King. It is told that, between 1389 and 1394, another large tournament was celebrated in the city which spawned the Portuguese legend of the Twelve of England , where twelve Portuguese knights were called to defend the honour of several ladies-in-waiting of John of Gaunt 's castillian wife Constance of Castile . At
819-623: A former right of way . After the Reformation , a separate parish likewise dedicated to St Bartholomew was granted in favour of St Bartholomew's Hospital ; named St Bartholomew-the-Less , it remained under the hospital's patronage , unique in the Church of England , until 1948, when the hospital was nationalized in the National Health Service . The church benefice has since been joined again with its ancient partner,
910-454: A great Institution like Smithfield, [the French] are unable to form the least conception. A Beast Market in the heart of Paris would be regarded an impossible nuisance. Nor have they any notion of slaughter-houses in the midst of a city . One of these benighted frog-eaters would scarcely understand your meaning, if you told him of the existence of such a British bulwark. An Act of Parliament
1001-764: A livery hall of their own. Most ancient livery companies maintain contact with their original trade or craft. In some cases, livery companies have chosen to support a replacement industry fulfilling a similar purpose today, e.g. plastics replacing use of horn or ivory in the case of the Horners' Company and fashion for the Haberdashers' Company . Modern companies are mainly represented by today's professions and industry and operate in close association with these. Many ancient crafts remain as relevant today as when their guilds were originally established. Some still exercise powers of regulation, inspection and enforcement, e.g.
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#17327918157571092-405: A long-term deal, with the intention that both De Beers and its parent company, Anglo American plc , would move into the building by 2020. Following renovations by London architecture and design firm MCM, Anglo made No. 17 its global headquarters in 2021. The 19th century Grade II listed Smithfield Market, designed by Victorian architect Sir Horace Jones , is the dominant architectural feature of
1183-517: A magnet for debauchery and public disorder. In 1348, Walter de Manny rented 13 acres (0.05 km ) of land at Spital Croft , north of Long Lane, from the Master and Brethren of St Bartholomew's Hospital, for a graveyard and plague pit for victims of the Black Death . A chapel and hermitage were constructed, renamed New Church Haw ; but in 1371, this land was granted for the foundation of
1274-452: A number of historical sites, including Smithfield Market. The nearest London Underground stations are Barbican near the east end of Charterhouse Street and Farringdon further west. Farringdon station also provides a connection to Crossrail and Thameslink rail services. Several gastropubs line the street, including the Fox and Anchor . The formerly- DJ Mag #1 club Fabric nightclub
1365-547: A royal herald's timely announcement that Queen Mary had died shortly before the wooden faggots were to be lit at the Smithfield Stake . Under English Law death warrants were commanded by Sign Manual (the personal signature of the Monarch ), invariably upon ministerial recommendation, which if unexercised by the time of a Sovereign's death required renewed authority. In this case Queen Elizabeth did not approve
1456-574: A tie, scarf, badge or brooch. Freemen are expected to advance to become liverymen by a vote of the court of each company. Liverymen no longer have any local government franchise in the City, but retain the exclusive right of voting in the election of the Lord Mayor (Michaelmas 'Common Hall' 29 September) and for the Sheriffs (Mid-Summer 'Common Hall' 24 June) held at Guildhall as a ceremonial occasion. The votes are made by 'acclamation' subject to
1547-478: A tributary of the Fleet, which marked the City's northern boundary in the area. The Bars are first documented in 1170 and 1197, and were a site of public executions. Since the late 1990s, Smithfield and neighbouring Farringdon have developed a reputation for being a cultural hub for up-and-coming professionals, who enjoy its bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Nightclubs such as Fabric and Turnmills pioneered
1638-525: Is a large market with permanent buildings, designed by architect Sir Horace Jones , who also designed Billingsgate and Leadenhall markets. Work on the Central Market , inspired by Italian architecture, began in 1866 and was completed in November 1868 at a cost of £993,816 (£113 million as of 2024). The Grade II listed main wings (known as East and West Market ) are separated by
1729-642: Is a district located in Central London , part of Farringdon Without , the most westerly ward of the City of London , England. Smithfield is home to a number of City institutions, such as St Bartholomew's Hospital and livery halls , including those of the Butchers' and Haberdashers' Companies . The area is best known for the Smithfield meat market , which dates from the 10th century, has been in continuous operation since medieval times , and
1820-413: Is a favourite theory for the origin of the phrase " at sixes and sevens ", as has been pointed out by at least one Master Merchant Taylor; however, it is possible that the phrase may have been coined before the dispute arose, as it comes from the companies both receiving their Charters in 1327 with no proof surviving as to which was granted first. Company without Livery is a status which applies during
1911-520: Is appreciated that any increase in the overall number of livery halls would inevitably lead to some dilution of use of the existing halls. There is also attraction in belonging to a company which is peripatetic . In 1515, the Court of Aldermen of the City of London settled an order of precedence for the 48 livery companies then in existence, based on those companies' contemporary economic or political power. The 12 highest-ranked companies remain known as
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#17327918157572002-553: Is located at No. 77A. Charterhouse Street is also the home of a 31 MWe combined heat and power plant operated by Citigen ( E.ON ) and located within and beneath the former PLA cold store. Anglia Ruskin University has a campus in Charterhouse Street 19. International diamond corporation De Beers has been headquartered at No. 17 since 1979, except between 2017-2020, though the street has homed De Beers since
2093-520: Is now London's only remaining wholesale market . From the 12th century to the 19th century the area hosted Bartholomew Fair . Smithfield's principal street is called West Smithfield , and the area also contains the City's oldest surviving church building, St Bartholomew-the-Great , dating from 1123 (most City churches were destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666 ). The area has borne witness to many executions of heretics and political rebels over
2184-641: Is suffered to continue year after year, from generation to generation, in the very heart of the most Christian and most polished city in the world. In 1843, the Farmer's Magazine published a petition signed by bankers, salesmen, butchers, aldermen and City residents against further expansion of the meat market, arguing that livestock markets had been systematically banned since the Middle Ages in other areas of London: Our ancestors appear, in sanitary matters, to have been wiser than we are. There exists, amongst
2275-404: The City , granting property and income to the new foundation the following month. King Henry VIII's sergeant-surgeon , Thomas Vicary , was appointed as the hospital 's first superintendent . The King Henry VIII Gate, which opens onto West Smithfield, was completed in 1702 and remains the hospital's main entrance. The Priory's principal church, St Bartholomew-the-Great, was reconfigured after
2366-524: The City Corporation , London's ancient municipal authority with extensive local government powers. The term livery originated in the designed form of dress worn by retainers of a nobleman and then by extension to special dress to denote status of belonging to a trade. Livery companies evolved from London 's medieval guilds , becoming corporations by royal charter responsible for training in their respective trades, as well as for
2457-459: The City and Guilds of London Institute . From their inception, livery companies cared for their members in sickness and old age by the giving of alms . Today, they continue to support both their members, and wider charitable aims and activities such as education and training . Numerous educational establishments in England were founded by and retain association with livery companies, among
2548-716: The City of London Solicitors' Company and the Worshipful Company of Engineers . Other companies whose trade died out long ago, such as the Bowyers' Company , have evolved into being primarily charitable foundations . Some companies, such as the Pinmakers, disappeared entirely in the Victorian era . After the Carmen's Company received City livery status in 1848 no new companies were established for 80 years until
2639-586: The City of London constituency , as it was a preserved ancient borough franchise under the terms of the 1832 Act. Today 39 out of 111 City livery companies own premises in London, as well as the Watermen and Lightermen which although not strictly a livery company, retains headquarters still in regular use. Among the earliest companies known to have had halls are the Merchant Taylors and Goldsmiths in
2730-565: The Company of Parish Clerks nor the Company of Watermen have applied or intend to apply for livery status, which remains a long-standing City tradition. This is granted by the City Corporation in effect to control a company. The Watermen and Parish Clerks are governed by statutes and royal charters with responsibilities outside the City. The Company of Watermen and Lightermen was established by Act of Parliament in 1555 to regulate
2821-474: The Grand Avenue , a wide roadway roofed by an elliptical arch with decorations in cast iron . At the two ends of the arcade, four prominent statues represent London, Edinburgh , Liverpool and Dublin ; they depict bronze dragons charged with the City 's armorial bearings . At the corners of the market, four octagonal pavilion towers were built, each with a dome displaying carved stone griffins . As
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2912-642: The Honourable Company of Master Mariners in 1926 (granted livery in 1932). Post-1926 creations are known as modern livery companies . The Nurses' Company , the newest, was granted livery status in 2023, making it the 111th City livery company in order of precedence . The Honourable Company of Air Pilots is exceptional among London's livery companies in having active overseas committees in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand and North America. Livery companies were originally formed, starting in
3003-617: The Ironmongers . Many livery halls can be hired for business and social functions, and are popular for weddings , commercial and society meetings, luncheons and dinners. Three livery companies (the Glaziers and Painters of Glass , Launderers and Scientific Instrument Makers ) share a hall in Southwark , just south of and outside the City of London, while the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers has long been based at Proof House in
3094-479: The London Borough of Tower Hamlets . Companies without halls customarily book use of another livery hall for their formal gatherings, giving members and guests the opportunity to visit and enjoy different City livery halls by rotation. Blue plaques throughout the City of London indicate where companies formerly had halls. Whilst several livery companies may aspire to owning or regaining their own hall it
3185-648: The Marian martyrs , were executed at Smithfield during the reign of Mary I . G. K. Chesterton observed ironically: It is foolish, generally speaking, for a philosopher to set fire to another philosopher in Smithfield Market because they do not agree in their theory of the universe. That was done very frequently in the last decadence of the Middle Ages , and it failed altogether in its object. On 17 November 1558, several Protestant heretics were saved by
3276-535: The Reformation , and their lands broken up. The Priory Church of St John remains, as does St John's Gate . John Houghton (later canonized by Pope Paul VI as St John Houghton ), The prior of Charterhouse went to Thomas Cromwell , accompanied by two other local priors, seeking an oath of supremacy that would be acceptable to their communities . Instead they were imprisoned in the Tower of London , and on 4 May 1535, they were taken to Tyburn and hanged – becoming
3367-471: The Square Mile , less competitive. The City adapted with Britain's role in the expansion of global trade by establishing exchanges which later became guardians of business conduct . From the 1870s however, there was a revival, with livery companies extending their original educational purpose to technical education, supporting new industries and providing the necessary training, most notably through
3458-545: The West Smithfield Bars . The site of the hall continued to be used as the starting point for mileages even after it was demolished soon after 1778. The road followed St John Street, and continued north, eventually leading to Edinburgh . Using the former site of the hall as the starting point ended in 1829, with the establishment of the General Post Office at St Martin's-le-Grand , which became
3549-466: The dissolution of the monasteries , losing the western third of its nave . Reformed as an Anglican parish church , its parish boundaries were limited to the site of the ancient priory and a small tract of land between the church and Long Lane. The parish of St Bartholomew the Great was designated as a Liberty , responsible for the upkeep and security of its fabric and the land within its boundaries. With
3640-601: The freedom of the City of London , now an essential formality, though in the past the Freedom carried benefits, such as being able to drive a flock of sheep across London Bridge at no charge. Livery companies are governed by a Master (alternatively styled Prime Warden in some companies, or Upper Bailiff of the Weavers' Company), a number of Wardens (holding various titles such as the Upper, Middle, Lower, or Renter Wardens), and
3731-455: The parish of St Sepulchre , was founded in 1137, and was endowed by Prior Rahere , who also founded St Barts. The ancient parish of St Sepulchre extended north to Turnmill Street , to St Paul's Cathedral and Ludgate Hill in the south, and along the east bank of the Fleet (now the route of Farringdon Street ). St Sepulchre's Tower contains the twelve "bells of Old Bailey", referred to in
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3822-612: The watermen on the River Thames responsible for the movement of goods and passengers and remains the only ancient City guild to be formed and governed by Act of Parliament. They are then strictly not 'companies without livery' at all but simply 'companies'. The Ward Beadles of the City of London are the elected officials, not representatives, of the City Wards so have constitutional standing. They are associated together for mainly communications and social activities; they are
3913-446: The "Worshipful Company of" their respective craft , trade or profession . There are 111 livery companies in total. They play a significant part in the life of the City of London (i.e. the financial district and historic heart of the capital ), not least by providing charitable-giving and networking opportunities. Liverymen retain voting rights for the senior civic offices , such as the Lord Mayor , Sheriffs and Common Council of
4004-462: The 12th century, to guarantee that a member was trustworthy and fully qualified, and that the goods they produced were of reputable quality, the two-fold aim being to protect the public and to protect members from charlatans. After the Middle Ages , they continued to be established until the 17th century, when political upheaval in England, the growth of London outwards from the City rendered many such livery companies, which only controlled trade within
4095-484: The 14th century, and, uniquely, the kitchen and the crypt of Merchant Taylors' Hall survived both the Great Fire of London and the Blitz , the kitchen now having been in uninterrupted use for over 600 years. Besides part of Merchant Taylors' Hall kitchens, the oldest interiors extant of a livery hall proper are those of the Apothecaries' Society , most rooms of which date from 1668 to 1671; significant portions of
4186-405: The 1930s. According to Bloomberg News , at the height of its power, over ninety per cent of the world's rough diamonds were held in the building, and by 2016, it housed over US$ 5 billion (£3.89 billion, equivalent to £5.16 billion in 2023) worth of gems in its underground vaults. After moving to Carlton House Terrace in 2017, plans to sell the building were proposed. The building was leased back on
4277-545: The 19th century, the area included boundary markers known as the West Smithfield Bars (or more simply, Smithfield Bars). These marked the northern boundary of the City of London and were placed at a point approximating to where modern Charterhouse Street meets St John Street, which was historically the first stretch of the Great North Road . The Bars were on the route of the former Fagswell Brook ,
4368-586: The Advocates for the Removal of Smithfield Market , applauding those "philanthropic men" who aim at removing to a distance the "vile Zoology" of the market and "routing that great nest of Hornithology [sic]". Charles Dickens criticised locating a livestock market in the heart of the capital in his 1851 essay A Monument of French Folly drawing comparisons with the French market at Poissy outside Paris: Of
4459-654: The Central Cold Store, the Metropolitan Cold Stores at 77A and Port of London Authority Cold Store. The site on the corner of Farringdon Road was occupied by the 1960s Caxton House which was demolished in 2009 as part of the Farringdon station extension. This London road or road transport-related article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Smithfield, London Smithfield , properly known as West Smithfield ,
4550-658: The Charterhouse, originally a Carthusian monastery . Nearby and to the north of this demesne, the Knights Hospitaller established a Commandery at Clerkenwell, dedicated to St John in the mid-12th century. In 1194 they received a Charter from King Richard I granting the Order formal privileges. Later Augustinian canonesses established the Priory of St Mary, north of the Knights of St John property. By
4641-477: The City's Sheriffs , Bridge Masters, Ale Conners , Auditors, members of the City Livery Committee, and approve the aldermanic candidates for election to the office of Lord Mayor of London . Entry to a livery company may be by one of four routes: Regardless of method of entry, membership carries the same duties, responsibilities and privileges. Membership of a livery company may combine with
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#17327918157574732-713: The City, with the young freemen being open to those under the age of 40. The Honourable Company of Freemen of the City of London of North America (headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada) represents Freemen and Liverymen of the City of London living in North America. The City Corporation of London retains the lordship of three manors in Southwark ( Guildable , King's and Great Liberty ). Now membership organisations, members are eligible to serve as ceremonial officers or jurors in their relevant manorial jurisdiction . These courts retain legal-standing under
4823-642: The Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office , while others are awarding bodies for professional qualifications. The Scriveners' Company admits senior members of legal and associated professions, the Apothecaries' Society awards post-graduate qualifications in some medical specialities, and the Hackney Carriage Drivers' Company comprises licensed taxi drivers who have passed the " Knowledge of London " test. Several companies restrict membership to those holding relevant professional qualifications, e.g.
4914-558: The Great Twelve City Livery Companies. Presently, there are 111 City livery companies, with the newer companies generally being ranked by seniority of creation. The origins of some companies, and the granting of their liveries, are now obscure. The Merchant Taylors and the Skinners have long disputed their precedence, so once a year (at Easter) they swap between sixth and seventh places. This mix-up
5005-472: The Lord Mayor, educates liverymen regarding the City Corporation's activities and represents the livery companies in communications with the City. Membership generally falls into two categories: freemen and liverymen. One may become a freeman, or be admitted to the "freedom of the company", upon fulfilling certain criteria: traditionally, by "patrimony", if either parent/grandparent were a liveryman of
5096-525: The Master, Wardens and Assistants wear livery gowns at company functions. Masters wear them at the City's formal events, e.g. the two Common Halls and the United Guilds Service, and Lord Mayor's Show, wherever they may participate. Ordinarily, liverymen wear ties or brooches at formal functions and each company differs by allowing men/women to wear distinct items subject to the occasion, such as
5187-528: The Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great. Following the diminished influence of the ancient Priory, predecessor of the two parishes of St Bartholomew, disputes began to arise over rights to tithes and taxes payable by lay residents who claimed allegiance with the nearby and anciently associated parish of St Botolph Aldersgate – an unintended consequence and legacy of King Henry VIII's religious reforms. Smithfield and its market, situated mostly in
5278-501: The Rolls of Parliament of the year 1380, a petition from the citizens of London, praying – that, for the sake of the public health, meat should not be slaughtered nearer than " Knyghtsbrigg ", under penalty, not only of forfeiting such animals as might be killed in the "butcherie", but of a year's imprisonment. The prayer of this petition was granted, audits penalties were enforced during several reigns. Thomas Hood wrote in 1830 an Ode to
5369-442: The advent of street lighting, mains water, and sewerage during the Victorian era, maintenance of such an ancient parish with so few parishioners became increasingly uneconomical after the Industrial Revolution. In 1910, it agreed to be incorporated by the Corporation of London which guaranteed financial support and security. Great St Barts' present parish boundary includes just 10 feet (3.048 m) of Smithfield – possibly delineating
5460-446: The annual election of the Lord Mayor of London , the Sheriffs and various other City civic offices, including the Ale Conners and Bridge Masters . A liveryman is a full member of his/her respective company. When a freeman is promoted liveryman, the candidate is said to be 'clothed in the livery': indeed, a livery gown is placed on him at the Court meeting which he wears to the subsequent formal or social occasion. Thereafter only
5551-422: The area's reputation for trendy night life , attracting professionals from nearby Holborn , Clerkenwell and the City on weekdays. At weekends, the clubs and bars in the area, having late licences , draw people into the area from outside London too. Smithfield has also become a venue for sporting events. Until 2002 Smithfield hosted the midnight start of the annual Miglia Quadrato car treasure hunt , but with
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#17327918157575642-417: The area. The market, along with Billingsgate Fish Market and New Spitalfields Market are expected to move to a new consolidated site in Dagenham Dock . The Museum of London plans to move into the General Market Building on Smithfield when possible, vacating its nearby Barbican site in December 2022. The street was formerly home to several refrigerated warehouses serving Smithfield Meat Market including
5733-431: The best-known being the Haberdashers' , Merchant Taylors' and Skinners' schools. Most livery companies maintain proud affiliations with regular and reserve units of the British Armed Forces , providing links between civilian and military life. The livery companies have always been a constituent part of the governance of the City of London . The senior members of the livery companies, i.e. liverymen , elect
5824-409: The buildings lining Aldersgate Street , the Priory site has left a continuing legacy of limited connectivity between the Smithfield area and Aldersgate Street. The Priory thereafter held the manorial rights to hold weekly fairs , which initially took place in its outer court on the site of present-day Cloth Fair , leading to "Fair Gate". An additional annual celebration, the Bartholomew Fair ,
5915-445: The centuries, as well as Scottish knight Sir William Wallace , and Wat Tyler , leader of the Peasants' Revolt , among many other religious reformers and dissenters. Smithfield Market, a Grade II listed - covered market building , was designed by Victorian architect Sir Horace Jones in the second half of the 19th century, and is the dominant architectural feature of the area. Some of its original market premises fell into disuse in
6006-496: The company; by "servitude", if one has served a requisite number of years as an apprentice to a senior company member; or by "redemption", upon paying a fee. Most livery companies reserve the right to admit distinguished people, particularly in their sphere of influence, as Honorary Freeman/Liveryman/Assistant . Freemen may advance to become liverymen, after obtaining the Freedom of the City of London , and with their court of Assistants' approval. Only liverymen are eligible to vote in
6097-481: The end of the 14th century, these religious houses were regarded by City traders as interlopers – occupying what had previously been public open space near one of the City gates . On numerous occasions vandals damaged the Charterhouse, eventually demolishing its buildings. By 1405, a stout wall was built to protect the property and maintain the privacy of the Order, particularly its church where men and women alike came to worship. The religious houses were dissolved in
6188-417: The executions, thus freeing the Protestants. During the 16th century, the Smithfield site was also the place of execution of swindlers and coin forgers , who were boiled to death in oil. By the 18th century, the "Tyburn Tree" (near the present-day Marble Arch ) became the main place for public executions in London. After 1785, executions were again moved, this time to the gates of Newgate prison, just to
6279-409: The fabric of this building are also medieval, from the 13th-century priory, part of which became Apothecaries' Hall. Several companies that do not have a hall of their own share office premises within the hall of another company on a semi-permanent basis, examples being the Spectacle Makers' Company , which uses part of Apothecaries' Hall, and the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights , which co-habits with
6370-399: The first Catholic martyrs of the Reformation. On 29 May, the remaining twenty monks and eighteen lay brothers were forced to swear the oath of allegiance to King Henry VIII; the ten who refused were taken to Newgate Prison and left to starve. With the monks expelled, Charterhouse was requisitioned and remained as a private dwelling until its reestablishment by Thomas Sutton in 1611 as
6461-445: The increased night club activity around Smithfield, the UHULMC (a motoring club) decided to move the event's start to Finsbury Circus . Since 2007, Smithfield has been the chosen site of an annual event dedicated to road bicycle racing known as the Smithfield Nocturne . Number 1, West Smithfield is head office of the Churches Conservation Trust . Meat has been traded at Smithfield Market for more than 800 years, making it one of
6552-641: The late 20th century and faced the prospect of demolition. The Corporation of London 's public enquiry in 2012 drew widespread support for an urban regeneration plan intent upon preserving Smithfield's historical identity. In the Middle Ages, it was a broad grassy area known as Smooth Field , located beyond London Wall stretching to the eastern bank of the River Fleet . Given its ease of access to grazing and water , Smithfield established itself as London's livestock market , remaining so for almost 1,000 years. Many local toponyms are associated with
6643-432: The livestock market in 1726 as being "without question, the greatest in the world", and data available appear to corroborate his statement. Between 1740 and 1750 the average yearly sales at Smithfield were reported to be around 74,000 cattle and 570,000 sheep. By the middle of the 19th century, in the course of a single year 220,000 head of cattle and 1,500,000 sheep would be "violently forced into an area of five acres, in
6734-411: The livestock trade: while some street names (such as "Cow Cross Street" and " Cock Lane ") remain in use, many more (such as "Chick Lane", "Duck Lane", "Cow Lane", "Pheasant Court", "Goose Alley" ) have disappeared from the map after the major redevelopment of the area in the Victorian era . In 1123, the area near Aldersgate was granted by King Henry I for the foundation of St Bartholomew's Priory at
6825-435: The market in the first half of the 19th century were often described as a major threat to public health: Of all the horrid abominations with which London has been cursed, there is not one that can come up to that disgusting place, West Smithfield Market, for cruelty, filth, effluvia, pestilence, impiety, horrid language, danger, disgusting and shuddering sights, and every obnoxious item that can be imagined; and this abomination
6916-457: The market was being built, a cut and cover railway tunnel was constructed below street level to create a triangular junction with the railway between Blackfriars and Kings Cross through Snow Hill Tunnel . Closed in 1916, it has been revived and is now used for Thameslink rail services. The construction of extensive railway sidings , beneath Smithfield Park, facilitated the transfer of animal carcasses to its cold store , and directly up to
7007-541: The meat market via lifts . These sidings closed in the 1960s. They are now used as a car park, accessed via a cobbled descent at the centre of Smithfield Park. Today, much of the meat is delivered to market by road. Livery company A livery company is a type of guild or professional association that originated in medieval times in London , England. Livery companies comprise London's ancient and modern trade associations and guilds, almost all of which are styled
7098-401: The new starting point, with the route following Goswell Road before joining Islington High Street and then re-joining the historic route. In the Victorian period , pamphlets started circulating in favour of the removal of the livestock market and its relocation outside of the City, due to its extremely poor hygienic conditions as well as the brutal treatment of the cattle. The conditions at
7189-472: The nursery rhyme " Oranges and Lemons ". Traditionally, the Great Bell was rung to announce the execution of a prisoner at Newgate . As a large open space close to the City, Smithfield was a popular place for public gatherings. In 1374 Edward III held a seven-day tournament at Smithfield, for the amusement of his beloved Alice Perrers . Possibly the most famous medieval tournament at Smithfield
7280-467: The oldest markets in London. A livestock market occupied the site as early as the 10th century. In 1174 the site was described by William Fitzstephen as: a smooth field where every Friday there is a celebrated rendezvous of fine horses to be traded, and in another quarter are placed vendibles of the peasant, swine with their deep flanks, and cows and oxen of immense bulk. Costs, customs and rules were meticulously laid down. For instance, for an ox,
7371-558: The period between when a guild is recognised by the Court of Aldermen and when it is granted the rights of a livery. A guild initially applies to be a London Guild , and may later apply to the Court to become a Company of the City of London . After an indefinite period, such a Company of the City of London can apply to the Aldermen for livery status; if granted, they can thereafter use the honorific prefix Worshipful Company . Neither
7462-922: The regulation of aspects such as wage control, labour conditions and industry standards. Early guilds often grew out of parish fraternal organizations , where numerous members of the same trade lived in close proximity often congregating at the same church . Like most organisations during the Middle Ages , these livery companies had close ties with the Roman Catholic Church (before the Protestant Reformation ), endowing religious establishments such as chantry chapels and churches , observing religious festivals and hosting ceremonies as well as well-known mystery plays . Most livery companies retain their historical religious associations, although nowadays members are free to follow any faith or none. Livery companies invariably established
7553-438: The request of Prior Rahere , in thanks for his being nursed back to good health. The Priory exercised its right to enclose land between the vicinity of the boundary with Aldersgate Without (to the east), Long Lane (to the north) and modern-day Newgate Street (to the south), erecting its main western gate which opened onto Smithfield, and a postern on Long Lane. By facing the open space of Smithfield and by having 'its back to'
7644-707: The site is now occupied by Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry . From its inception, the Priory of St Bartholomew treated the sick . After the Reformation it was left with neither income nor monastic occupants but, following a petition by the City Corporation, Henry VIII refounded it in December 1546, as the "House of the Poore in West Smithfield in the suburbs of the City of London of Henry VIII's Foundation". Letters Patent were presented to
7735-545: The south of Smithfield. The Smithfield area emerged largely unscathed by the Great Fire of London in 1666, which was abated near the Fortune of War Tavern, at the junction of Giltspur Street and Cock Lane, where the statue of the Golden Boy of Pye Corner is located. In the late 17th century several residents of Smithfield emigrated to North America, where they founded the town of Smithfield, Rhode Island . Until
7826-437: The time, John of Gaunt's daughter Philipa of Lancaster was married to John of Aviz , King of Portugal , lending credence to the story, although how much and which parts of it are true is still debated. Along with Tyburn , Smithfield was for centuries the main site for the public execution of heretics and dissidents in London. The Scottish nobleman Sir William Wallace was executed in 1305 at West Smithfield. The market
7917-407: The very heart of London, through its narrowest and most crowded thoroughfares". The volume of cattle driven daily to Smithfield started to raise major concerns. The Great North Road traditionally began at Smithfield Market, with St John Street and Islington High Street forming the initial stages. Road mileages were taken from Hicks Hall , a short distance up St John Street, some 90 metres north of
8008-475: Was established in 1133 by the Augustinian canons . Over time, this became one of London's pre-eminent summer fairs , opening each year on 24 August. A trading event for cloth and other goods as well as being a pleasure forum, the four-day festival drew crowds from all strata of English society. In 1855, however, the City authorities closed Bartholomew Fair as they considered it to have degenerated into
8099-541: Was passed in 1852, under the provisions of which a new cattle market should be constructed at Copenhagen Fields, Islington . The Metropolitan Cattle Market opened in 1855, leaving West Smithfield as waste ground for about ten years during the construction of the new market. The present Smithfield meat market on Charterhouse Street was established by act of Parliament : the Metropolitan Meat and Poultry Market Act 1860 ( 23 & 24 Vict. c. cxciii). It
8190-418: Was that commanded in 1390 by Richard II . Jean Froissart , in his fourth book of Chronicles , reported that sixty knights would come to London to tilt for two days, "accompanied by sixty noble ladies, richly ornamented and dressed". The tournament was proclaimed by heralds throughout England, Scotland, Hainault, Germany , Flanders and France, so as to rival the jousts given by Charles of France at Paris
8281-630: Was the meeting place prior to the Peasants' Revolt and where the Revolt's leader, Wat Tyler , was slain by Sir William Walworth , Lord Mayor of London on 15 June 1381. Religious dissenters ( Catholics as well as other Protestant denominations such as Anabaptists ) were sentenced to death in this area during the Crown 's changing course of religious orientation started by King Henry VIII . About fifty Protestants and religious reformers , known as
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