Memorial day - 50

If you read last weeks blog about the bloody history of the Smithfield area, you wouldn't be surprised to read that Smithfield became the primary retail meat market serving London. In fact the market didn't develop from the gruesome executions past, but from the fact that in former times it was the site of a cattle mart.

With the growth of supermarkets where people buy their meat double wrapped in polystyrene, there has been a dramatic decline in the number of independent butcher shops. This has resulted in Smithfield almost going out of business.

While it is no longer the hive of nighttime activity, nevertheless it is well worth a visit to see the intricate wrought iron grill work in the market.

But today's featured memorial was erected in Smithfield Market in memory of the former workers: butchers, porters and clerks who worked in the market, but lost their lives in World War 1.