Mansell Street

A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.

South out of Aldgate High Street, at No. 45, to Tower Bridge Approach (P.O. Directory). Partly in Portsoken Ward and partly in parish of St. Mary Whitechapel, in Goodman's Fields.


In former times much less extensive than at present.

Laid out originally towards the end of the 17th century and extending from Great Ayliff Street to Great Prescott Street (O. and M. 1677-O.S. 1848-51).

The northern portion from Gt. Ayliff Street to Aldgate High Street was called Somerset Street (q.v.) until March, 1870, when this name was abolished and the whole called Mansell Street (L.C.C. List of Streets, 1912).

The southern portion from Great Prescott Street to the Tower Bridge Approach was formed in 1907 when Queen Street (q.v.) and Little Prescott Street (q.v.) were demolished (ib.), together with Smith's Buildings (ib.).

Former names : "Mansel street" (Strype, 1720-Horwood, 1799). "Mansfield Street" (Rev. of London, 1728). "Somerset Street" (Maitland, 1775, II. 1007). "Goodman's Fields Street" (Wheatley). But he does not give any date showing when it was so called, and it has not been possible to verify this name.

Present name derived from owner or builder.

Related Words