r/AskLondon • u/Responsible-Oil-9452 • 11h ago
MARKETS Harts of Smithfield/Smithfield Market. Help?!
Harts of Smithfield
Hi all. Unsure where to post, so if anyone could point me in the right direction or where/who to ask, that would be amazing!
I'm after any information about Smithfield market, specifically Harts of Smithfield.
Anything about the owners, whether it's still in the Hart family (I don't believe it is?!), if it's even still running or if it's only open for the Christmas Eve meat auction?
My Nan was just a child when they started calling that corner 'Harts Corner', she was always really proud of that, as was her dad, who sadly died in 1939 when my Nan was just 8 years of age.
As far as I know, my Nan is the only surviving 'Hart' left, but not 100% sure, hence why I'm asking for more information as I'd love to get in touch!
I sent a letter, just before COVID hit, to Harts of Smithfield, but never got a reply.
My Nan, 97 (98 very soon!), was of sound mind when I sent that letter and I was really hoping to get a reply as she really wanted to know.
Now, she's at the end stages of Alzheimer's, doesn't know any of us, doesn't remember marrying my grandad (but they were neighbours in London growing up).
But she still remembers her childhood, reliving little stories that we had heard before she started to develop Alzheimer's, I'd just love to be able to give her some information about everything I just listed, before she passes away.
If someone could point me in the right direction, that would be great!