Smithfield was also used in very early times for jousts and tournaments, to which the King and nobility resorted, of which we find upon record several instances in the reigns of Edward III. Richard II. Henry IV. Henry V. Henry VI. and Edward IV. In short, in the middle part of Smithfield, and in the centre of the space now enclosed with rails, many martyrs were burnt at the stake, for steadily adhering to the dictates of their own consciences, and in defence of the doctrines of the reformation, during the cruel reign of Mary. Smithfield is surrounded by many good houses; but they are far from being regular and uniform. The author of _the Review of the public Buildings_, observes, that this vast area, is capable of great beauty; but is at present destitute of all; and a scene of filth and nastiness. “’Tis true, the use which is made of it as a market, he adds, is something of an excuse for it, and in some degree attones for the want of that decency that would improve it so much: yet ’tis my opinion, that ways and means might be found to make it tolerable at least, and an obelisk, pyramid or statue in the centre, defended with handsome and substantial rails, would go a great way in so desirable a project.” Indeed something of this kind has been frequently proposed, and it has been often represented to the public, that it would be proper to raise a monument on the spot where the stake was fixed for the martyrs, representing the cruelty of popish persecution, adorned with proper relivoes and inscriptions. _East_ SMITHFIELD. See the article EAST. SMITHFIELD _bars_, at the north end of Smithfield, by St. John’s street. SMITH’S ALMSHOUSE, on St. Peter’s hill near Thames street was founded by Mr. David Smith embroiderer to Queen Elizabeth, in the year 1584, and consists of six rooms for the habitation of so many poor widows turned of fifty-six: but the old structure being destroyed by the fire of London in 1666, it was rebuilt by Sir Thomas Fitch, and the charge of maintaining it committed to Christ’s hospital, from which each of the alms-women annually receive 1 _l._ 9_s._ 4_d._ and also from the company of embroiderers the annual 1_l._ 14_s._ 6_d._ each, left by the founder’s daughter, as an addition to the foundation. _Maitland._ SMITH’S _alley_, 1. Joyners street, by Tooley street, Southwark.† 2. King’s street, Westminster.† 3. Ropemaker’s fields, Limehouse.† SMITH’S _court_, 1. Aldersgate street.† 2. Brackley street, Bridgewater Gardens.† 3. Fashion street, Spitalfields.† 4. Great Windmill street, Picadilly.† 5. Holbourn.† SMITH’S _passage_, in the Curtain, Nortain Falgate.† SMITH’S _rents_, 1. Bank-side, Southwark.† 2. Barnaby street, Southwark.† 3. Catharine Wheel alley.† 4. Five Feet lane.† 6. St. John’s street, Smithfield.† 7. Kent street, Southwark.† 8. Petty France, Westminster.† SMITH’S _square_, Millbank, Westminster.† SMITH’S _street_, Marsham street, Westminster.†