Huggin Lane, Wood Street

A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.

West out of Wood Street, at 115, to Gutter Lane (P.O. Directory). In Cripplegate Ward Within.


First mention: "Hoggeslane," 1233-4 (Cott. MS. Faustina II. fo. 89). "Hoggenelane," 40 H. III. (Anc. Deeds, A. 2240).

Other forms : "Hoggenlane," 1321 (Cal. P.R. Ed. II. 1317-21, p. 570). "Hoggeslane," 1349 (ib. Ed. III. 1348-50, p. 285). "Hogynlane" (Fabyan, ed. 1516, p. 296). "Hogenlane," 1533 (Ct. H. W. II. 636). "Huggyn Lane," 12 Eliz. (1570) (Lond. I. p.m. II. 128). "Huggenlane" (S. 293). "Hugging lane" (Leake, 1666). "Hugin lane" (Strype's maps, 1720-55). "Huggin Alley" (Rocque, 1746), and in 1671 (End. Ch. Rep. St. Mary Woolnoth, 1903, p. 9).

So called of one Hugan, that of olde time dwelled there : he was called "Hugan in the lane" as I have read, 34 Ed. I. (S. 299).

It has not been possible to verify this reference, but in any case the name of the lane is earlier than the date given by Stow, and occurs temp. H. III., as shown above, nor do the earlier forms coincide with this suggested derivation.

The form "Hogges lane" suggests a similar origin with other streets so named in the City, See Middlesex Street, Royal Mint Street, formerly named "Hog Lane."

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