Fleet Street
A4 | |
Namesake | River Fleet |
---|---|
Maintained by | Transport for London |
Length | 0.3 mi (0.48 km)[1] |
Postal code | EC4 |
Nearest train station | Blackfriars City Thameslink |
Coordinates | 51°30′50″N 0°06′38″W / 51.5138°N 0.1105°W |
Fleet Street is a street in Central London, England. It runs west to east from Temple Bar at the boundary of the Cities of London and Westminster to Ludgate Circus at the site of the London Wall and the River Fleet from which the street was named.
The street has been an important through route since
Fleet Street has a significant number of monuments and statues along its length, including the dragon at Temple Bar and memorials to a number of figures from the British press, such as
Geography
Fleet Street is named after the River Fleet, which runs from Hampstead to the River Thames at the western edge of the City of London. It is one of the oldest roads outside the original city and was established by the Middle Ages.[2][3] In the 13th century, it was known as Fleet Bridge Street, and in the early 14th century it became known as Fleet Street.[4]
The street runs east from Temple Bar, the boundary between the Cities of London and Westminster, as a continuation of the Strand from Trafalgar Square. It crosses Chancery Lane and Fetter Lane to reach Ludgate Circus by the London Wall. The road ahead is Ludgate Hill. The street numbering runs consecutively from west to east south-side and then east to west north-side.[1] It links the Roman and medieval boundaries of the City after the latter was extended. The section of Fleet Street between Temple Bar and Fetter Lane is part of the A4, a major road running west through London,[1] although it once ran along the entire street and eastwards past St Paul's Churchyard towards Cannon Street.[5]
The nearest London Underground stations are Temple, Chancery Lane, and Blackfriars tube/mainline station and the City Thameslink railway station.[1] London Bus routes 4, 11, 15, 23, 26, 76 and 172 run along the full length of Fleet Street, while route 341 runs between Temple Bar and Fetter Lane.[6]
History
Early history
Fleet Street was established as a thoroughfare in Roman London and there is evidence that a route led west from Ludgate by 200 AD.[7] Local excavations revealed remains of a Roman amphitheatre near Ludgate on what was Fleet Prison, but other accounts suggest the area was too marshy for regular inhabitation by the Romans.[8] The Saxons did not occupy the Roman city but established Lundenwic further west around what is now Aldwych and the Strand.[9]
Many prelates lived around the street during the Middle Ages, including the Bishops of Salisbury and St Davids and the Abbots of Faversham, Tewkesbury, Winchcombe and Cirencester.[3] Tanning of animal hides became established on Fleet Street owing to the nearby river, though this increased pollution leading to a ban on dumping rubbish by the mid-14th century.[10] Many taverns and brothels were established along Fleet Street and have been documented as early as the 14th century.[2][a] Records show that Geoffrey Chaucer was fined two shillings for attacking a friar in Fleet Street,[8] though modern historians believe this is apocryphal.[11]
An important landmark in Fleet Street during the late Middle Ages was a
The eastern part of the street was destroyed by the
During the early 18th century, a notorious upper-class gang known as the
In 1763, supporters of John Wilkes, who had been arrested for libel against the Earl of Bute, burned a jackboot in the centre of the street in protest against Bute.[3] It led to violent demonstrations and rioting in 1769 and 1794.[8]
Tanning and other industries declined sharply after the River Fleet was routed underground in 1766.
Printing and journalism
Publishing started in Fleet Street around 1500 when William Caxton's apprentice, Wynkyn de Worde, set up a printing shop near Shoe Lane, while at around the same time Richard Pynson set up as publisher and printer next to St Dunstan's Church. More printers and publishers followed, mainly supplying the legal trade in the four Inns of Court around the area,[23] but also publishing books and plays.[24]
In March 1702 the first issue of London's first daily newspaper, the
By the 20th century, Fleet Street and the area surrounding it were dominated by the national press and related industries. The Daily Express relocated to No. 121–8 Fleet Street in 1931, into a building designed by Sir Owen Williams. It was the first curtain wall building in London. It has survived the departure of the newspaper in 1989 and was restored in 2001. The Daily Telegraph was based at No. 135–142.[24] These premises are both Grade II-listed.[26] In the 1930s, No. 67 housed 25 separate publications; by this time the majority of British households bought a daily paper produced from Fleet Street.[27]
In 1986
Some publishers have remained on Fleet Street. The London office of
Though many prominent national newspapers have moved away from Fleet Street, the name is still synonymous with the printing and publishing industry.[24] In the adjacent St. Brides Lane is the St Bride Library, holding a specialist collection relating to the type and print industry and providing courses in printing technology and methods.[36] On the wall of Magpie Alley, off Bouverie Street, is a mural depicting the history of newspapers in the area.[37]
The last two journalists to work for the Dundee-based Sunday Post, left in 2016, as the paper closed its London offices.[38]
Modern history
Despite the domination of the print industry, other businesses were also established on Fleet Street.
Notable buildings
In the
Today three churches serve the spiritual needs of the three 'communities' associated with the area of the street.
To the south lies an area of legal buildings known as the Temple, formerly the property of the Knights Templar, which at its core includes two of the four Inns of Court: the Inner Temple and the Middle Temple. There are many lawyers' offices (especially barristers' chambers) in the vicinity.[47] The gatehouse to Middle Temple Lane was built by Sir Christopher Wren in 1684.[48] To the west, at the junction with Strand are the Royal Courts of Justice[49] whilst at the eastern end of the street the Old Bailey is near Ludgate Circus.[50]
As a principal route leading to and from the City, Fleet Street was especially noted for its taverns and coffeehouses. Many notable persons of literary and political fame such as Samuel Johnson frequented these, and journalists would regularly meet in pubs to collect stories.[51] Some have survived to the 21st century and are grade II listed: Ye Olde Cock Tavern at No. 22, The Tipperary at No. 66, the Old Bell at No. 95, the Punch Tavern at No. 98 and Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese at No. 145.[52] The El Vino wine bar moved to No. 47 in 1923, quickly becoming popular with lawyers and journalists. Women were not allowed in the bar until 1982, and then only because of a court order.[24] The Old Bank of England, which from 1888 to 1975 was a trading house for the country's central bank, is now a Grade II listed pub.[53]
Since 1971, the southern side of the street has been part of the Fleet Street Conservation Area, which ensures buildings are regularly maintained and the character of the street is preserved. The area expanded to the north side in 1981.[54]
Monuments and statues
The area around Fleet Street contains numerous statues and memorials to prominent public figures. At the north-eastern corner is a bust of
On the southern side of the street nearby memorials and monuments include the
In the Inner Temple Gardens is a memorial to Charles Lamb.[56] In Salisbury Square there is an obelisk commemorating Robert Waithman, mayor of London between 1823 and 1833,[62] and a blue plaque commemorating the birthplace of diarist and naval secretary Samuel Pepys.[63]
Notable residents
Several writers and politicians are associated with Fleet Street, either as residents or regulars to the various taverns, including
The Royal Society was based in Crane Court from 1710 to 1782, when it moved to Somerset House on the Strand.[67]
Cultural references
The barber
Fleet Street is mentioned in several of
Fleet Street is a square on the British
See also
- Journalism portal
- London portal
- The Printworks, Fleet Street of the North
- Holborn, with a description of the surrounding area
- Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg in Delhi, known as the Fleet Street of India
- Paternoster Row
Notes
References
- ^ a b c d "3, Fleet Street to 100, Fleet Street". Google Maps. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
- ^ a b c d Moore 2003, p. 185.
- ^ a b c d e Weinreb et al 2008, p. 298.
- ^ a b Rines, George Edwin, ed. (1920). Encyclopedia Americana. .
- ^ Ten Mile Map of Great Britain (London Four Mile Insert) (Map). Ordnance Survey. 1932. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
- ^ "Central London Bus Map" (PDF). Transport for London. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 March 2017. Retrieved 28 December 2015.
- ^ City 1996, p. 4.
- ^ a b c d e Thornbury, Walter (1878). "Fleet Street: General Introduction". Old and New London. 1. London: 32–53. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
- ISBN 978-1-860-46214-6.
- ^ Brooke 2010, p. 8.
- ISBN 978-0-19-968954-5.
- ^ Brooke 2010, p. 16.
- ^ Brooke 2010, p. 15.
- ^ Weinreb et al 2008, p. 639.
- ^ "Prince Henry's Room". City of Londonc. Archived from the original on 1 April 2016. Retrieved 27 January 2015.
- ^ Weinreb et al 2008, pp. 340–341.
- ^ a b c City 1996, p. 5.
- ^ Thornbury, Walter (1878). "Fleet Street: Northern tributaries (continued)". Old and New London. 1. London: 92–104. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
- ^ Weinreb et al 2008, pp. 820–1.
- ISBN 978-1-843-83740-4.
- ^ City 1996, p. 7.
- ISBN 978-1-136-58447-3.
- ^ Weinreb et al 2008, p. 299.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Weinreb et al 2008, p. 300.
- ^ a b Hampton 2004, p. 32.
- ^ "Listed Buildings in City of London, Greater London, England". British Listed Buildings. Retrieved 29 December 2015.
- ^ Moore 2003, pp. 186, 188.
- ^ "Telegraph moves to Victoria". The Daily Telegraph. 22 December 2005. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
- D.C. Thomson & Co.Retrieved 30 December 2015.
- ISBN 978-0-85092-753-5.
- ^ "Contact us". Wentworth Publishing. Archived from the original on 28 June 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
- ISBN 978-1-4684-1523-0.
- ^ "Jewish Chronicle HQ to be recycled into serviced flats". Property Week. 21 February 2014. Archived from the original on 6 November 2018. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ^ "About us". British Association of Journalists. Archived from the original on 31 December 2015. Retrieved 1 January 2016.
- ^ "Metro International office move means print returns to Fleet Street". Press Gazette. 7 November 2007. Retrieved 1 January 2016.
- ^ "St Bride Library". British Letter Press. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
- ^ "Magpie Alley Crypt". thelondonphile. April 2012. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
- ^ "Last newspaper journalists leave Fleet Street as Sunday Post retreats". The Guardian. 15 July 2016. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
- ^ Brooke 2010, p. 6.
- ^ Moore 2003, p. 192.
- ^ Moore 2003, p. 193.
- ^ "Child & Co". Royal Bank of Scotland. Retrieved 29 December 2015.
- ^ Brooke 2010, pp. 13–14.
- ^ Weinreb et al 2008, p. 910.
- ^ a b c City 1996, p. 8.
- ^ "St Dunstan in the West | Fleet Street, London, EC4". St Dunstan-in-the-West. Retrieved 8 November 2018.
- ^ Weinreb et al 2008, pp. 431, 433, 546.
- ^ Bellot 1902, p. 269.
- ^ Weinreb et al 2008, p. 716.
- ^ Weinreb et al 2008, pp. 141–142.
- ^ Moore 2003, pp. 191–2.
- ^ City 1996, pp. 12–13.
- ^ "City Diary: all change at the Bank". The Times. 12 December 2013. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
- ^ City 1996, p. 3.
- ^ Weinreb et al 2008, p. 875.
- ^ a b Weinreb et al 2008, p. 872.
- ^ Weinreb et al 2008, p. 870.
- ^ a b Weinreb et al 2008, p. 873.
- ISBN 978-0-85323-967-3.
- ^ Bellot 1902, p. 267.
- ^ "The Temple Bar Memorial". The Victorian Web. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
- ^ City 1996, p. 13.
- ^ "Samuel Pepys blue plaque in London". Blue Plaque Places. Archived from the original on 1 May 2018. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ^ "John Senex". British Museum. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
- ^ "St Bride's: History Chapter IV – 1500–1665". St Bride's Church. Retrieved 2 January 2016.
- ISBN 978-0-7645-5822-1.
- ^ Thornbury, Walter (1878). "Fleet Street: Tributaries (Crane Court, Johnson's Court, Bolt Court)". Old and New London. 1. London: 104–112. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
- ^ "Sweeney Todd and Fleet Street | The Sweeney Todd Story". knowledgeoflondon.com. Retrieved 8 November 2018.
- ^ a b Moore 2003, p. 194.
- ^ "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street". Rotten Tomatoes. Flixster. Archived from the original on 18 April 2008. Retrieved 27 June 2008.
- ^ "Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (18)". Warner Bros. British Board of Film Classification. 18 December 2007. Retrieved 28 August 2013.
- ^ "Dickens and Fleet Street". Dickens and London. Archived from the original on 24 October 2008. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
- ^ "Mr Davidson's Fleet Street Eclogues". The Spectator. 14 March 1896. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
- ^ Ransome, Arthur (1907). "Old and New Fleet Street". Bohemia in London.
- ^ Moore 2003, pp. 176, 189.
Citations
- Bellot, Hugh Hale Leigh (1902). The Inner and Middle Temple: Legal, Literary, and Historic Associations. Methuen & Co.
- Brooke, Alan (2010). Fleet Street: The Story of a Street. ISBN 978-1-4456-1138-9.
- Hampton, Mark (2004). Visions of the Press in Britain, 1850–1950. ISBN 978-0-252-02946-2.
- Moore, Tim (2003). Do Not Pass Go. Vintage. ISBN 978-0-09-943386-6.
- ISBN 978-1-4050-4924-5.
- Fleet Street Conservation Area Character Study (PDF) (Report). Corporation of London. 1996. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 29 December 2015.
Further reading
- OCLC 12878129
- Herbert Fry (1880), "Fleet Street", London in 1880, London: David Bogue. (bird's eye view)
- OL 7070324M. (about Fleet Street)
- "Fleet Street". London. OL 24256167M.
External links
Media related to Fleet Street at Wikimedia Commons
- Farewell, Fleet Street. Bill Hagerty, BBC News Online. 14 June 2005.
- Fleet Street's finest. Christopher Hitchens, The Guardian Review. 3 December 2005.