Harp Alley

A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.

1) West out of Farringdon Street, at No. 82, to Bride Street (P.O. Directory). In Farringdon Ward Without.


First mention: "Harpe Alley," 1653-4 (Ct. H.W. II. 769).

It extended formerly to Shoe Lane, and is so represented in O.S. 1848-51. This western end was removed for the formation of St. Bride's Street.

Also called "Bugg Alley" in P.C. 1732.

Name probably derived from the sign.

2) On the west side of Mincing Lane, used in 1656 as almshouses. The tenements so called, together with Lilly Alley and other messuages, seem to have formed part of William Sevenoak's property, known as Sevenoak's lands. William Sevenoak by his will 1426 gave an annuity of 10 marks charged on three tenements in Mincing Lane and one in Tower Street to St. Dunstan in the East Church, and afterwards the whole of the premises came into possession of the parish. Harp Alley and Lilly Alley no longer exist, but the site is now occupied by Nos. 12-16 Mincing Lane and 87 and 88 Great Tower Street, held by Trustees for the parish (Endowed Charities, St. Dunstan in the East parish, 1902, p. 2).

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