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Queues at Smithfield Meat Market, London, WW1
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Queues at Smithfield Meat Market, London, WW1
Food shortage queues at Smithfield Meat Market, London, 1918, towards the end of the First World War.
1918
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23078542
© The John Barrett Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
Meat Queue Queues Shortage Smithfield
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the somber reality of food shortages during the final stages of the First World War, as depicted in the queues forming at Smithfield Meat Market in London in 1918. The market, a historic hub for meat trading since medieval times, had become a focal point for the city's desperate population seeking to secure their next meal. The image portrays a long line of people, mostly women, patiently waiting their turn to purchase rations of meat. The pavement is filled with a sea of umbrellas, raincoats, and bundled-up figures, all braving the inclement weather in their quest for sustenance. The scene is a stark reminder of the harsh living conditions endured by many during wartime, with food scarcity being a pressing concern for both civilians and soldiers. The First World War, which began in 1914, had taken a heavy toll on the British economy and population. The disruption of agricultural production and transportation networks, coupled with the diversion of resources towards the war effort, led to widespread food shortages. The British government implemented rationing measures to ensure a fair distribution of available food supplies, but the system was far from perfect, leaving many to rely on the black market or endure long queues like the one shown in this photograph. The photograph, taken from The John Barrett Collection at Mary Evans Picture Library, offers a poignant glimpse into the past, highlighting the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during times of war and the importance of ensuring that no one is left behind in times of need.
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