Chick Lane

A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.

West out of West Smithfield to Field Lane, in Farringdon Ward Without (Lockie, 1816).


First mention: "Chikelane," 22 Ed. I. (Ch. I. p.m. 22 Ed. I. m. 132).

Former names : "Chikenelane," 1280 (Ct. H.W. I. 50). "Chykenale," 1282 (ib. 60). "Chikeneslane" (Dugdale, IV. 83). Also called "Cheke Lane," 32 H. VIII. (L. and P. H. VIII. XVI. 715).

Stow calls it "Chicken lane downe to Cowbridge" (S. 382).

The Prior of Sempringham was allowed to enclose it, 22 Ed. I. (Ch. I. p.m. 132). Afterwards called West Street (Lockie and Elmes).

W. Stow, writing 1722, says, "Most of the inhabitants here buy and sell old cloaths."

Removed 1844. Charterhouse Street now occupies the site and the buildings of the London Central Markets, Smithfield.

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