Smithfield Market
Grand Avenue
London
Access via West Smithfield or Charterhouse Street
The Smithfield War Memorial forms
part of a Grade II* Listed Building found within the
Smithfield Conservation Area and was originally dedicated in
1921 to those people associated with the Markets who died
during World War 1.
The memorial has the names of the fallen inscribed on a granite
block weighing three and a half tons in gilded lead lettering.
Above the main granite block, between two architectural scrolls of
granite, is a bronze cartouche containing the dedicatory
inscription. Emblematic figures representing 'Fame' and 'Victory'
holding laurel wreaths are on the cartouche, and a wreath, a
palm-leaf and a trumpet are placed at the top. At the top of the
statue is a bronze representation of the Arms of the City of London
and at the base is the Coat of Arms of the Worshipful Company of
Master Butchers.
Over the years the memorial had suffered from wear and tear and
other defects and in 2005 the memorial underwent restoration. It
was agreed to extend the War Memorial to commemorate the memory of
all men, women and children of Smithfield who have lost their lives
in conflict since the Great War. This was achieved through the
addition of a new block of red granite and a bronze plaque.
The war memorial was re-dedicated on 15 June 2005 by HRH The
Princess Royal on behalf of the Lord Mayor of London Alderman
Michael Savory and the City of London, the Smithfield Market
Tenants' Association and the Worshipful Company of Butchers.