The East End of London holds countless intriguing stories of its past, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area’s rich history. Some of the most captivating tales are hidden within the origins of the street names themselves. Let’s delve into a few lesser-known yet equally captivating street names that will provide you with a unique insight into the East End’s past.
Like all of London, the East End is rich in history. Despite modernisation and rebuilding initiatives over the years, you can still find older hidden gems in the area. This isn’t just about historic buildings, streets and scary small alleyways where Jack the Ripper probably walked.
Odd East End Street Names
The East End also retains some curious old street names with exciting stories that teach us something about the area.
Artillery Lane
Henry VIII set up an artillery ground in Spitalfields to allow local men to practice their longbow, crossbow and handgun skills. Although the ground moved in the 1650s, it is still remembered in many local street names, including Artillery Passage.
Brick Lane
Originally called Whitechapel Street, it changed to Brick Lane because it was a local centre for tile and brick manufacturers in the 15th century.
Cable Street
As you might expect, the primary industry in Limehouse’s Cable Street was cable, or rope, making. What is interesting about this street is that it runs straight for the length of an average ship’s cable. This allowed people to lay out the ropes as they made them.
Frying Pan Alley
Situated close to Middlesex Street and Petticoat Lane market, the quaintly named Frying Pan Alley indicates the businesses that used to operate on this street. Ironmongers and braziers used the frying pan as the emblem of their trade, and they would hang a pan outside their shop so people could see what their business was. Over time, the name stuck, even if the frying pans were long gone.
Goodmans Fields
Goodmans Fields in Stepney doesn’t describe the friendly nature of the locals, but it does indicate what happened in the area in the past. This street is named after a local farmer, Roland Goodman, who used to farm land here for a nunnery in Elizabethan times.
Houndsditch
Houndsditch runs through part of the East End. It is thought to be located alongside a ditch that the Romans built as part of their city defences. This ditch was filled in, but others were made on the site over the years—the first recorded reference to the road as Houndsditch was in the 13th century. The name likely came from the number of dead dogs thrown into the ditch, which was used as a bit of a rubbish tip. An excavation in the late 1980s did, indeed, unearth a fair few dog skeletons.
King Henry’s Stairs
Nobody is sure if Henry VII used these stairs, but they do have a connection. They lead down to King Henry’s wharf, and they were named after a cannon foundry that he set up in Wapping to make guns for his warships.
Kitcat Terrace
Unfortunately, Kitcat Terrace in Bow has nothing to do with the chocolate bar. The road was named after the Reverend Henry Kitcat, but its name still makes passers-by smile.
Mile End Road
Mile End Road is an ancient road linking London with the country’s East. It was first recorded formally in the 1200s as “La Mile Ende”. It means the small place a mile away, marking the distance from the City of London to Mile End on the way to Colchester.
Nanking Street
Before London’s Chinese population set up base in the current Chinatown, it was in Poplar. You can still see references to the Chinese community that settled here in street names like Nanking Street.
Petticoat Lane
Home to one of the East End’s best-known and most significant markets, Petticoat Lane is located in the Spitalfields area of the East End. Although this name still knows the market, the lane has been renamed Middlesex Street. It was renamed in Victorian times because prudish Londoners didn’t like that a street was named after women’s undergarments.
The street was probably initially called Petticoat Lane as it sold lace products and petticoats made by local Spitalfields weavers. Over time, the notoriety of the area came into play. People used to say that the street got its name from the fact that people would steal your petticoat at one end of the lane and then sell it back to you at the other.
Roman Road
Bethnal Green‘s Roman Road does relate to a road built by the Romans leading out of London to Colchester. This road got its name later, however, in Victorian times. Archaeologists discovered the original Roman road in the 1840s – this road runs parallel to it. This is one of the most significant ancient roads in British history, as it was the route used by Queen Boadicea on her way to take on the Romans in London.
Tenter Ground
Tenter Ground was originally an open space used by Huguenot weavers who moved into the Spitalfields area. They used the space to dry the cloths they made on frames called tenters, which had hooks to pull the fabric tightly so that it dried evenly, and without creasing. There may be no space left here, but the name remains in the street name. This process also gave us the well-known phrase “on tenterhooks”.
Unveiling East End’s Historic Charm: A Glimpse into Lesser-Known Street Names
These lesser-known street names offer a unique window into the East End’s intriguing past, revealing a wealth of history and the area’s distinctive character. As you wander the streets of the East End, take a moment to appreciate the stories behind each street name, allowing you to immerse yourself in the area’s rich and colourful heritage.
Wellclose Square
Located in Whitechapel, Wellclose Square is a reminder of the area’s once-thriving maritime community. Named after the large well in the square, it was known for providing fresh water to sailors and ships that docked nearby. The well, unfortunately, no longer exists, but its historical significance lives on in the street name.
Quaker Street
Quaker Street in Shoreditch is a testament to the area’s religious history. In the 17th century, it was home to a Quaker meeting house where members of the Society of Friends would gather for worship. The meeting house has since been demolished, but the street name serves as a reminder of the Quaker community that once resided here.
Cheshire Street
Known initially as Hare Street, Cheshire Street in Bethnal Green got its name from the Cheshire Cheese public house that once stood at the junction of Brick Lane and Cheshire Street. The pub served as a focal point for social gatherings and entertainment, and the street name commemorates its lasting impact on the local community.
Old Ford Road
Old Ford Road in Bow derives its name from an ancient crossing point on the River Lea, where the Romans constructed a ford to enable easier passage. This historical crossing helped develop the area, connecting London with settlements to the northeast. The name is a tribute to the area’s strategic significance in ancient times.
Swine’s Green
Located in Wapping, Swine’s Green is a street name with a rather unusual story. In the 16th century, it was common for pigs to be kept in the area, with the green serving as a location for swineherds to let their pigs graze. While the pigs may be long gone, their legacy lives on in this peculiar street name.
In conclusion, the fascinating stories behind London’s street names serve as a treasure trove of history and culture, making them an essential aspect of the city’s allure. By exploring the origins of these names, one gains an unparalleled understanding of London’s past, its people, and the industries that have shaped its identity. So, the next time you stroll through the city’s vibrant streets, take a moment to appreciate the rich heritage embedded in their names.
As you unravel the mysteries behind each name, you’ll immerse yourself in captivating tales, further enhancing your experience of the ever-evolving metropolis. Uncovering the history behind London’s street names deepens your connection to the city and makes for an unforgettable journey into the heart of its fascinating past.
Hello all. My Great Grandfather Cornelius Fox was born at 15 Type St, London on October 5, 1853. Birth Certificate says Eliza Isabella Fox was his mother and a bricklayer named John Fox was his father. I believe Eliza was living with her father James at this time. Cornelius emigrated to Canada between 1860 and 1970 but isn’t on any passenger list I have seen, and it was before the British Home Children thing started. Eliza doesn’t show up on 1861 census or anywhere else after 1857 and Cornelius only has a birth certificate. Wondering if anyone has information on this family that could help shed some light on their lives. Thanks
Hello Ray,
This is I think your Great Grandfather Cornelius Fox who arrived in Ontario Canada in 1871 and appears on the 1871 Census of Canada District 40 Cardwell age 18. He is listed at the address of John Boyle age 26 born Ireland, listed as a Farmer. Wife Margrett age 25 born Ireland. Cornelius Fox age 18 born England listed as a Servant.
In the 1881 Census of Canada – Cornelius Fox age 28 English listed as a Blacksmith
Later that year he married Maria Reburn 28th December 1881 at Dufferin Ontario. Listed on the marriage record is mother Eliza and father George
The 1891 he is listed Cornelius Fox age 38 born England – Blacksmith. Maria Fox age 30 wife born Ireland.
They went on to have five boys and one daughter . He appears on all of the Census of Canada the last one being in 1931
In the 1931 Census of Canada he was listed with his youngest son (Head) Charles A Fox age 25 Wife Freda M Fox age 23. Cornelius Fox Widower age 80.
He died 24th August 1938 – Sion, Whitecourt Alberta Canada.
Ray, all of the these details are from The Ancestry Family History worldwide access site and there is a great amount of content about Cornelius Fox and his family there. It appears he became a great family man and business man.
Curious about Twig Folly used to go to church there in Bonner St E2 and nearby Tagg Street.
My uncle died in WW1 and on the Commonwealth War Graves showed his mother living in Tagg Street.
Thanks.
Does anyone know what happened to Pell Street, just off Cable Street?
It was there in 1939 – did it suffer from the bombing in the war?
My ancestors all lived on Pell Street at one time or another, but I can’t find out at which point it no longer existed.
Hello Susan,
Pell Street which dates back to about 1820 did survive WW2 and was still there in the 1950 maps, it disappeared in the 1960/70s with the housing clearances of the time and the building of the St George’s Estate.
It was situated equidistant between Wellclose Square which previously housed a Danish community plus a Church and Swedenborg Square ( previously named Princes Square for 200 years from the 18th century until 1938) also housing a Swedish community and a Church.
Wellclose Square is stlll there, partly in name with St Paul’s Whitechapel CE Primary School within that site.
The area where Pell Street was, has gone and is a park area called Swedenborg Gardens.
Hi, Can anyone tell me where Halsey Place, Bow would have been in 1854 and if it still exists. Many thanks, Lee
Hello Lesley Lee,
I could not find anything on a Halsey Place or any history of it in Bow, or any other part of the East End after searching all the Ordnance Survey Maps, covering the area from the 1850s till now.
However, there is a Halsey Street in Chelsea SW3 and it was there in 1850 and is still there now. It runs down vertically between Milner Street and Cadogan Street. There was a Halsey Terrace just off Halsey Street along Cadogan Street shown on the 1860 Underground map, but now it is all called Cadogan Street.
Hello,
Can anyone tell me anything about Albion Cottages, Redman Street/Road, Stepney. Thank you Anthea Perlmutter
Hello Anthea,
In the 1911 Census it seems there were two address numbers for Albion Cottages Redmans Road. They were only 2 small houses but they were separated into 4 family dwelling quarters, today we would probably call them flats. There was 2 families for number 1: and 2 families for number 3:
No.1 Albion Cottages – Mary Ellen King age 40 Widow (Head) and family / 2 rooms
No. 1 Albion Cottages – Sarah Pushee age 67 Widow (Head) and family / 2 rooms
No. 3 Albion Cottages – James Pedley age 48 Married (Head) and family / 2 rooms
No. 3 Albion Cottages – James Coor age 57 Married (Head) and family / 2 rooms
These two cottages were at the beginning of Redmans Road which was before the actual No. 1 Redmans road which was after No. 3 Albion Cottages.
It appears that the house No. 1 Redmans Road had 2 families also.
No.1 Redmans Road Sarah Muscovitch age 29 Married (Head) and family / 3 rooms
No.1 Redmans Road Lizzie Clummer age 42 Widow (Head) living on her own / 1 room
Each different family were entered on their own separate 1911 Census forms. All the house numbers on this north side of the street were progressing odd numbers.
Lots of streets named after people: Scott St, Mary St. Burke St. Any photos of them I’d be glad to see.
Hi Roger, are you interested with street names as a hobby or is it for a particular purpose? Thank you.
Does anyone know where Hansard St, Bethnal Green, was in 1887.
Thanks. Brian Ekins.
Hello Brian,
I think you are looking for where Hassard Street Bethnal Green is in 1887 ( not Hansard Street ). It is still there but the area looks very different now to what it was 1887. It was off the Hackney Road and ran centre parallel between Diss Street and Ravenscroft Street.
Now it is a short type of cul-de-sac about 50 yards long and not a through road as it was 1887.
At that time it linked from Hackney Road down to Columbia Road ( Previously named Crabtree Row up to 1874 ).
The famous Columbia Market and Columbia Square built in 1869 and demolished in the 1950s was there coming off at the end of Hassard Street into Columbia Road ( Crabtree Row )
I am trying to find the current name of White Yard, Whitechapel.
It is in the birth registry of St Mary Whitechapel as the address of John and Mary Summers in July 1742, parents of Ann.
Hello Christine,
White’s yard in the 18th century was a glassmaking site in Glasshouse Street (now John Fisher Street) a few yards up from Flank Street on the other side of the road. In the 1880s It became Peabody Buildings a Victorian estate and they are still there. Today it is called – The Whitechapel Estate. John Fisher Street. Tower Hamlets.
E1 8HA
Am looking for anything about Massingham St, formerly Norfolk St in Stepney. Have found the Duke of Norfolk Pub on the corner – but anything else appreciated – Thanks.
Looking for No 8 Forest View Avenue Waltham Forest.
I am trying to solve the mystery of No 8 Forest View Avenue, Waltham Forest.
I have my grandmother listed as dying at that address in 1919 on the death certificate, but there now appears to be only houses numbered 1 – 7 Forest View Avenue.
Further research has found a totally unrelated child dying at the same address withing days of my grandmother so my question is what was No 8 Forest View Avenue and what happened to it
Could have been a pub or even a barber surgeons …
Try looking in the Kelly’s Directories for the address…
Hello I am looking for any information on 19 Stainsby Road E14. I was there in 1958-68 Thank you
Has anyone got a photo of Freeman Street, Spitalfields. My great grandparents lived there.
Hi all I lived at number 27 Murray square my name then was mason I had two sisters Tina and Debbie my mum and dads name was Jim and pat would love to hear from anyone who remembers us
I am trying to find details of “Rosher Row Stratford”
I have found “Rosher Close” but cannot find any references to Rosher Row.
I am 99.9% certain it was Rosher Row in the early 1950’s
I moved to Sturry st.Poplar after war.Father was schoolkeeper of George Green Grammar.I went Holy Child School off Grundy St.Taught by nuns(Sisters of Mercy -I think; remember Headmistress Sister Mary).School
converted to church for Mass,Benediction etc. by opening classroom partitions.I was a Mass server.My mate at the time was Frankie Massingham who lived in Grundy Street – his big sister would take us to the pictures.The bomb sites were our playgrounds.Anyone with recallections
The Holy Child School was run by the Holy Child order of nuns (full name ‘Society of the Holy Child Jesus’). They also set up and ran the Settlement in Poplar High Street (‘Holy Child Settlement’) which ran clubs and gave support to local Catholic families.
I would love to find out anything about Willow Walk in Bethnal Green in the 19th century.
I would love to know anything about Willow Walk in Bethnal Green, where some of my ancestors lived for many years, working as carpenters, cabinet makers and French polishers
My grandad was carpenter in Bethnal Green in the 50s onwards. We have been looking for information in regard to my grandmother Jean Margaret Merry (or Hummerstone), she may have even had a different surname then. We may be able to help each other.
Hello Matthew, although I regret I am unable to answer your search for your grandmother, your surname is familiar to me as my 3x got grandmother married a Joseph Hummerstone in Hoxton in 1853. He was born in Enfield in 1829 as was his brother John in 1826. During the Ripper murders in Whitechapel in 1888, a John Hummerstone savagely attacked a woman named Smith with a knife in Bucks Row. He was living at the time at No. 11 Key Street which is close to Buck’s Row. Does the name John Hummerstone mean anything too you.The reason for my enquiry is that I am currently writing my family history
I am looking for any information on Rosher Row ?
It was still there in the 1960’s as I remember taking my G/Friend of the time to meet my aunt Ett
I would be grateful if anyone can help with the following: a trade card for Moses Harris (1730-1787) gives his address as the White House, Princes Row. I am trying to find out when he was living there and for how long. I suspect it may have been somewhere between 1771 – early 1780s. The St Mary’s tithe records at the London Metropolitan Archives for 1771-1775 don’t appear to list Princes Row. Does anyone know when Princes Row was built, or when it changed its name (I believe) to Princes Street, or any other source of records that may help.
Many thanks.
There were two Princes Streets, one in Shoreditch and the other in Whitechapel ?
Thank you for your reply. I have ascertained that it was still called Princes Row in 1810. At that time it may have been in the parish of Mile-End New Town, in the parish of St Dunstan, rather than Whitechapel. Does this help?
My grandmother lives at 52 park street in the page 1900’s and went to gill street school
My name is Kathleen Gordon (née Franklin) I lived in east London cemetery as my mum was caretaker. I went to Pretoria school. Does anyone remember me.
I am trying to locate where Pauline Street was, as my great grandparents were residing there when my grandfather and several siblings were born prior to moving with their family to New York.
My father was born in Box Street Bow. I think I have the name of the street right. I have inherited a statue of what I think is the Virgin Mary, it belonged to my great grandma. Looking for some information on it but don’t know where to start. It has the inscription BOW on the back with the letters Reg.
My mother lived in Box Street her father was a fishmonger and cured the fish in his backyard
Hi Ann, So I do have the name of the street right. My great grandma was Dapp. Then my nan violet married a Steadman before they all were evacuated to Maidenhead.
Hi Jackie my grandad Frank Steadman married a Violet Speed they lived in Citizens dwellings could they be the same relatives ? Simon Steadman
Where is Angel Gardens Shadwell now. Perhaps lost altogether??
I grew up in Bromley Street, Stepney. My grandparents owned a pub called the White Horse on White Horse Road (just two streets away form Bromley Street, with Belgrave Street intervening). The White Horse actually closed its doors less than two weeks ago, but I’ve always wondered how the street got its name. It used to be White Horse Street until it was changed to …Road.
Another funny street name is Shandy Street, close to Stepney Green Station.
hello, i was born in the front room of the bromley hall tavern, in brunswick street, poplar, not only has the pub gone, but the road went years ago, to make way for the tunnel approach.
if you look at old maps, some of the names seem completely odd.
Good morning from the rainy Belgium.
I’m researching a Brittish soldier who died in myu hometown Gullegem in 1918.
HE was born in Horts Yard, Bethnal Green.
DO you have any idea where this would be today ? I’m planning to visit London on September and East London will be on my list.
BEst regards,
BArt Seynaeve
Hort’s Yard was on Princes Street, Bethnal Green. Evidence here: William Burgess lived there in 1881. http://www.rootspoint.com/search/?CollectionKey=UK1881&LastName=Burgess&MatchType=exact&page=124 and here’s a map from 1868. Princes St at left just under Virginia Row (now Columbia Road)http://london1868.com/weller33b.htm
When I was growing up my dad was often working in Thrawl St , but being a kid I always thought it was THroad st, he used to push his barrow all around this area and sometimes over the water across Tower bridge,
Which is the alley in the picture at the top of the page? Looks lovely.
Hi. Did anyone ever find this alley? Trying to track it down urgently for a photo shoot. Thank you
I’ve come across the Will of John (or Jean) Tourell, written 1791. He left three houses to his wife, Marguerite, one in Thomas Street and two in Brick Lane, one having “the sign of the Balloon and the other being on the left of said Balloon”.
I wonder if the Balloon was the name of an inn?
I’ve only just found this website; hence my late response. Yes, ‘The Balloon’ was the name of an inn: a member of my family, Hugh Hopley, apparently was, in the late 18th century, the innkeeper at ‘The Balloon’, which stood on the corner of Thomas Street and Brick Lane. His son, Hugh Samuel Hopley, in a Settlement Examination by the Bethnal Green Board of Guardians on the 13th September 1862, stated that ‘His Father Hugh Hopley kept the Balloon public House. corner of Thomas [Street] Brick Lane was there for several. yrs. he afterward took a public House in Mape [Street – Bethnal Green].’
[Source: Bethnal Green Board of Guardians Settlement Examinations Aug 1861 – Jan 1862 LMA Ref: BEBG/267/019 folio 62]
I am looking for Carl Street in and around 1911. Not sure how long it existed for as a street but would love to be able to trace where it was and what stands there now