Smithfield

Smithfield lies to the back of Christ's Hospital. In ancient times, being a large open space, it was the scene of amusements, tournaments executions; it was here that Walworth, Mayor of London, slew Wat Tyler, who was the leader of a rebellion. In Smithfield, during the reign of Queen Mary, several Protestants were burned at the stake; it is thought they were burnt just opposite the entrance to the gate of St. Bartholomew's Priory.

The Scottish patriot, William Wallace, was beheaded here. For a long time Smithfield was the only cattle market in London, but is now held at Copenhagen Fields, and the present Central London Meat Market was erected here.

There are two churches here, one called St. Bartholomew the Less, within the precincts of St. Bartholomew's Hospital; the other, St. Bartholomew the Great, was founded in 1102.

St. Bartholomew's Hospital is the oldest and probably the most wealthy in London, the income being about £50,000 per annum; Harvey, Richard Owen, Abernethy, and other celebrated men, have been connected with this Hospital.