A Bird's Eye View of Smithfield Market taken from the Bear and Ragged Staff

Smithfield Market is portrayed here as a lively hub of activity. Described as a birds-eye view, the print looks down on the sheep and cattle stalls from an inn called the Bear and Ragged Staff. The public house was situated on the north side of West Smithfield in Farringdon and is now the site of the meat market.

In 1811, when this print was executed, Smithfield - despite being described as a slum - boasted an excellent livestock market. At this date, it specialised in sheep and cattle but by the end of the century, a market for poultry had also opened. One of the oldest markets in London, Smithfield Market traded in meat as early as the 10th century.

This depiction of the popular cattle market shows the livestock separated into pens, surrounded by buildings. Tradesmen mingle with customers who peer over the pens to get a better look at the produce on offer. A group of men in the central foreground stand in a circle, possibly haggling over prices, while a horse and cart rides past.

During the mid-1800s, the Smithfield Market Removal Act was passed and the live cattle market moved to Copenhagen Fields, North London. Shortly after the market relocated, building work began on the site, which was close to railway lines to allow easy access to and from the market.