The
fair at Smithfield dates back to the 12th century. Held to celebrate
the Feast of St. Bartholomew, it originally took place on 24th and
25th August but during Charles II's reign it was extended to a fortnight.
By the 18th century St Bartholomew Fair was one of the most spectacular
national and international events of the year. It featured sideshows,
prize-fighters, musicians, wire-walkers, acrobats, puppets, freaks
and wild animals.
Smithfield like Tyburn and Newgate
was also used for executions. Nearly 300 Protestants were burnt at
the state here during Mary Tudor's reign.
In the 19th century Smithfield established itself as the largest meat
market in England. Smithfield was also an important horse and cattle
market until 1855 when livestock was sent to the Caledonian Market
in Islington. In 1868 a market hall with an iron and glass roof was
built at Smithfield.
Rudolf
Ackermann, Bartholomew Fair, from Microcosm of London
(1808)
(1)
William Pyne, The
Microcosm of London (1808)
The
print is a representation of Bartholomew Fair. A number of youths,
each with the lass he loves, are carelessly disporting in the swings;
indeed so carelessly, that one of them seems to have fallen out. The
surrounding scenery; St. Bartholomew's Hospital, the church and the
houses of Smithfield give value to the scene.
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