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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Smithfield Market
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(London EC1) The capital's main meat market since the 12C, named because originally a 'smooth field' just to the northwest of the old walled city. Cattle, sheep and pigs arrived on the hoof and were slaughtered here in conditions of appalling squalor. In 1855 the live trade was moved to Islington. The present covered market, built in imitation of the *Crystal Palace, opened in 1868. Lorries deliver carcasses which are cut up during the night and sold to the retail trade when the market opens at 3 a.m. After some doubts about its future in the early 1990s, Smithfield is now being expensively refurbished to meet EC regulations.
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