Weird London street names can tell you a lot about the history of an area, once you do a bit of digging. So as the market boulevard you can take a confident stab at what was sold on its connecting streets like Wood Street , Bread Street , Honey Lane and Poultry. Here are my 10 favourite bizarre street names and the story of how they got them. This street takes its name from an Italian Christian order that dates from The legend concerns a woman called Lady Elizabeth Hatton, a well-to-do figure in 17th century London.
During a Winter Ball in she danced with the Spanish Ambassador, all fine except he was a jealous type and had previously been rejected by her. Cue next morning when she was found dead in this yard while her heart mysteriously was still pumping her blood.
Sound far-fetched? Seeming to conform with the Cheapside trend, Shoulder of Mutton Alley seems straightforward, but oddly specific. It relates to a market or pub that was on this site whose speciality seems to have been this particularly cut of sheep. The first record of this street comes from a Tudor House on the site as early as The area was popular with fencing schools which is probably why they chose that sign, but by the 17th century it had a rough reputation and was known by the friendly Blood Bowl Alley.
Streets can also be misleading. You spot an eerie looking alley with a name like this and your eyes widen at the possibility of gruesome storiesβ¦. Enjoying this post? Get the latest London secrets to your email See the City from a new angle, discovering little things you miss everyday. Once a week. Your details will never be shared with any 3rd parties. Nothing to do with either ground meat or funny walks, Mincing is in fact derived from an Old English term for a female monk; Mincheon or Minchun.
This was the only street in The City of London where sex workers were allowed to live and work. There is some suggestion that perhaps it does also refer to the animal, with Smithfield nearby, however that was more a livestock market. So feel free to chose your favourite version. The name is simply a corruption of Trumpet and is where the brass instrument makers would live.
