Ironmonger Lane

A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.

South out of Gresham Street to Cheapside at No. 90 (P.O. Directory). In Cheap Ward.


Earliest mention: "Ysmongeres lane," 1213-16 (Anc. Deeds, A. 1988).

Other forms of name : "Ismongers Lane," 1227 (Cal. Charter Rolls, I. 54). "Irmongerelan," 34 H. III. (Ch. I. p.m.). "Ismongerelane," 5 Ed. I. (Cal. L. Bk. B. 265). "Ismongeres lane," 1322-3 (Ct. H.W. I. 300). "Ismongares lane," 1324 (ib. 308). "Ismanghere lane," 1321 (Cal. P.R. Ed. II. 1317-21, 583). "Irmongeres lane," 1348-9 (Ct. H.W. I. 513). "Iremonger lane," 22 H. VI. (Anc. Deeds, C. 3414). "Ironmonger lane," 1 H. VII. (ib. C. 596).

From O.E. "isen" = iron, being the Ironmongers' quarter in early days, where they mainly carried on their trade.

Stow says the Ironmongers had moved from Ironmongers lane into Thames Street before his time (p. 82).

"Ferronerye (le)" (q.v.) was in this part of Cheap Ward.

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