When the subjects of butchery, meat and market are put together, in the mind of most English people "Smithfield" is the name that springs instantly forth. It is one of the oldest markets in London and meat has been sold there for over 800 years. A livestock market occupied the site as early as the 10th century.

In 1174 the site was described by William Fitzstephen, clerk to Thomas à Becket as "a smooth field where every Friday there is a celebrated rendezvous of fine horses to be sold, and in another quarter are placed vendibles of the peasant, swine with their deep flanks, and cows and oxen of immense bulk."

It is most likely that the name Smithfield came from a corruption of 'smeth field' Saxon for "Smoothfield".