**Historic Smithfield Meat Market in London Set to Close After 850 Years**

London's renowned Smithfield Meat Market, which boasts a history stretching back 850 years, is set to close following a recent decision by the City of London Corporation. This closure will mark the end of an era for the venerable site, which has witnessed centuries of trade and transformation.

For John Burt, who has been running a butcher shop across the street from Smithfield for 22 years, the decision to close the market came as a surprise, even if he had observed its gradual decline. "I'm sad about it," said Burt, 64, whose business will continue despite the market's closure. "You wouldn't have thought that Smithfield Market would ever shut down because it's been around since the time of Henry VIII."

Smithfield has been central to London's commerce for many centuries, with its origins dating back to at least 1174. Medieval traders once brought horses, cows, oxen, and pigs to the bustling market. In 1327, King Edward III officially granted the City of London the right to run Smithfield and other markets, cementing its place in the city's history.

The current structure of the market, completed in 1868, stands as a testament to Victorian engineering. Its impressive roof and the integrated train tracks beneath, which were originally used to transport livestock, reflect the historical significance and the architectural innovation of its time.

With the market's closing, Londoners and history enthusiasts alike will bid farewell to a site that has long been a symbol of the city's rich heritage and dynamic evolution.