Tower Ward

A Dictionary of London by Henry A Harben.

One of the twety-sex wards of the City (O.S. ).


With Aldgate Ward the most eastern within the walls.

Earliest mention: "Ward of Tower," 1283 (Cal L Bk A p 209).

Former names: "Ward of Wm. de Hadestoke," 1275-6 (R. Mem. p.5). "Ward of St. Dunstan," 15 Ed. II. (Cal. L. Bk. E. p.143). "Ward of John de Canterbury," 1291-2 (Cal. L. Bk. C. p.12).

Called "Thames Ward" 7 Rich. II. (Anc. Deeds, A. 1779).

Bounds set out (Strype, ed. 1720, I. ii. 37).

Derivation of name: So called from its contiguity to the Tower of London.

Contains three parish churches: All Hallows Barking; St. Olave Hart Street; St. Dunstan in the East.

Also famous buildings: Custom House; Clothworkers' Hall; Bakers' Hall.

Larger in extent in old days, when it included one-half of the Tower, the ditch on the west side, and bulwarks (S. 131).

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