City of London in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

World War II - The market closes

Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 9, 2026

1. World War II - The market closes Marker

Inscription. During the Second World War Smithfield shut for business. The Government did not want large concentrations of people in buildings that were easily recognisable from the air. The de-centralising of meat stores put paid to Smithfield's trading. It was only used to store small amounts of meat and to provide space for an army butcher's school. In 1942 the Poultry Market was damaged by a German bomb.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, World II.

Location. 51° 31.152′ N, 0° 6.072′ W. Marker is in City of London, England, in Greater London. It is on West Smithfield. The marker is in the interior of the market, just a few steps in from the entryway on Long Lane. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 66 W Smithfield, City of London, England EC1A 9DY, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East.

Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean,

in the North Atlantic Region,

in Europe,

in Atlantic Europe,

on one of the British Isles,

in the Western World,

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and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Victorian Market Buildings (here, next to this marker); The Market Returns (here, next to this marker); The changing years (within shouting distance of this marker); William Wallace (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); St. Bartholomew World War I Memorial (about 120 meters away); Great Rising of 1381 Memorial (about 120 meters away); To The Immortal Memory of Sir William Wallace (about 120 meters away); Marian Martyrs (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in City of London.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on July 6, 2026, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.