**Historic Closure: London’s Smithfield Meat Market to Shut Down**

The closure marks the end of an era for one of the oldest trade sites in England, valued for its rich history dating back to the 12th century.

For over 850 years, Smithfield has served as a vital center for livestock trade in London, with its foundations tracing back to 1174. The recent decision by the City of London Corporation to close the market has generated shockwaves among local butchers and traders, signaling a significant change in the fabric of the area.

Local butcher, John Burt, who has operated his shop across the street from Smithfield for 22 years, expressed his dismay, remarking upon the market's notable decline from its once-bustling status to a shadow of its former self. For Burt, who will continue to run his shop, the closure symbolizes the loss of a legacy that has endured since the time of King Henry VIII.

The current structure of Smithfield, completed in the 1860s, is a testament to Victorian engineering, featuring a grand roof supported by a framework of iron and glass spanning vast spaces. Additionally, it once had train tracks beneath it designed to facilitate livestock transport. Once a thriving site for traders dealing in horses, cows, and pigs, Smithfield also holds historical significance as it was granted operational rights by Edward III in 1327.

As London’s urban landscape continues to evolve, the impending closure of Smithfield serves as a poignant reminder of bygone eras and the challenges faced by historic markets in modern cities.