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Smithfield Market, London, c1855
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Smithfield Market, London, c1855
Smithfield Market, London, c1855. Scene of a bull rampaging through Smithfield Market, having just tossed a policeman into the air
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 15170492
© London Metropolitan Archives (City of London) / Heritage-Images
Bull Charity Criminal Fleeing Market Out Of Control Pickpocket Police Smithfield Market Metaphor Rspca
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This black and white lithograph from c1855 captures the chaotic scene at Smithfield Market in London. The focal point of the image is a bull, caught mid-rampage, having just flung a brave policeman into the air. The market-goers are seen fleeing in panic, their faces etched with fear as they scramble to escape the out-of-control animal. In this bustling 19th-century marketplace, men and women from all walks of life find themselves entangled in this unexpected chaos. A group of children can be spotted amidst the commotion, their innocent faces reflecting both curiosity and terror. Amongst them is a lady clutching her child tightly, desperately seeking safety amid the mayhem. The lithograph not only depicts an alarming incident but also serves as a metaphor for society's struggle against crime during that era. Pickpockets take advantage of the pandemonium to ply their trade while law enforcement officers attempt to restore order. It is worth noting that this historical print holds significance beyond its dramatic portrayal; it sheds light on efforts made by organizations like the Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) towards animal welfare even back then. Preserved by Guildhall Library and Art Gallery, this colorless yet powerful image transports us back to a time when Smithfield Market was not only known for its vibrant trade but also witnessed moments where panic took hold of its streets.
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