Beech Lane

A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.

South-east from No.13 Beech Street to No.51 Whitecross Street (P.O. Directory). In Cripplegate Ward Without.


In former times and as late as the 18th century, this was the name given to the street now called Beech Street (q.v.).

First mention: "la beche," 41 H. III. (Anc. Deeds, A. 2263).

"Bechelane," 1334-5 (Ct. H.W. I. 402).

Other names and forms : "Bechestrete," 1285 (Ct. H.W. I. 74). "Bechen lane" 20 Rich. II. (Cal. Pat. R. 1396-9, p. 22). "Beech lane" (O. and M. 1677-Strype, 1755).

Named after the family "de la Beche." In 41 H. III. Henry de la Beche made a grant of all his lands in "la beche" in parish of St. Giles Without Crepelgate, by the street called "la beche" (Anc. Deeds, A. 2263).

It has been suggested that the name may be connected with "Wittewellebech," mentioned in old documents (Kingsford's Stow, II. 340).

See Berchenlane.

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