Stephen's Lane

A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.

In the parish of St. Magnus, juxta Oystergate, 17 Ed. III. (Lib. Cust. II, 447), afterwards called " Churchehaw lane," 1373-4 (Ct. H.W. II. 158).


Earliest mention: " Stephenes lane," 1329 (ib. I. 347).

Other form : " Stevenes lane," 1351 (ib. 654).

In 17 Ed. III. it is described as a public lane leading to the Thames with a bridge at its head next the Thames, which had been always free to every one. Complaint was made that one Adam Lucas had turned it round so that the head of the bridge adjoined his own wharf and there was no access to it except through Lucas' wharf, for which he exacted toll (Lib. Cust. II. 447). And further tbat one William Robert had built a wall encroaching on the lane (ib. 448).

Perhaps named after Stephen de Oystergate, who held land in the vicinity about-the 13th century.

Identified with Churchyard Alley (q.v.), Thames Street.

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