Roman Bath Street

A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.

North out of Newgate Street at No.76 (P.O. Directory). In Farringdon Ward Within.


First mention: 1885.

Former names: " Bath Street" in O.S. 1848-50, so named 1843. " Bagnio Street" c.1840. " Bagnio Court" (Rocque, 1746-Elmes, 1831). "Royal Bagnio Court" (P.C. 1732). " Bagnio Lane " or " Pentecost Lane" (P.C. 1732). " Pincock Lane" (O. and M. 1677-Strype, ed. 1720). "Bagnio Yard," 1723 (L.C.C. Deeds, Harben Bequest, 1700-1800, No.46). " Pentecost Lane" (q.v.).

In the 18th century there were some famous baths here, described by Strype as follows: "Near unto Butcher Hall Lane is the Bagnio, a neat contrived Building after the Turkish mode for that purpose; seated in a large handsome Yard, and at the upper end of Pincock Lane. . . . Much resorted unto for Sweating, being found very good for aches, etc., and approved of by our Physicians" (Strype, ed. 1720, I. iii. 194).

Hence the name " Bagnio Court."

Opened 1679. Name changed to" Bath Street," 1843. Houses on east side removed 1869 for new Post Office buildings.

The name "Roman Bath Street" seems to be somewhat misleading, as it suggests the site of a Roman bath here, for which there does not seem to be any foundation.

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