Sporones Lane

A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.

Identified with Huggin Lane, Upper Thames Street (q.v.). In parishes of St. Nicholas Olave and St. Michael Queenhithe.


Earliest mention: "Sporones lane," 1268-9 (D. and C. St. Paul's, Press A. Box 21, No.1557).

Other forms: " Sporunes lane," 55 H. III. (Anc. Deeds, C. 1910). " Sporounelane," 1295 (Ct. H.W. I. p.120). " Sporierstret," 1297-8 (ib. 132). " Sporunlane," 1337 (ib. 425). "Sporenlane," 1468-9 (ib. II. 562). "Spuren Lane" or "Spooner's Lane" (S. 354), now called "Huggen Lane."

There was a Ralph Sporoun or Sporun, whose will is set out in Ct. H.W. I. 285. Perhaps the lane took its name from this family.

There is a Spurrier Gate in York as the name of a street extending from Ousegate to Coney Street. In "Eboracum," 1788, I. 38, it is said that this thoroughfare took its name from the spurriers, who were a great craft formerly, when our warriors wore spurs of a most extraordinary length and thickness (N. and Q. uth S. V.p. 234).

Related Words