London has grown into a thriving city, combining medieval and contemporary architecture. It has been existed since Roman times. Nowadays, London is one of the oldest cities in Europe. As a result, many modern London streets we see today are developed from ancient streets. Oxford Street London might be the first name that pops up on your mind. Even so, it isn’t more ancient than any of the 8 must-see old streets of London below.
8 must-see old streets in London
Brick Lane
From the 15th to the 18th centuries, Brick Lane was known as Whitechapel Lane, but it was renamed Brick Lane because of the bricked and tiled buildings surrounded it. After that, the name Brick Lane became a brand as demand for bricks increased.
Located in the Shoreditch neighborhood, near Spitafields Market, Brick Lane, one of London’s most famous streets, is now the home of the Bengali community. Therefore, it is so well-known for its curry houses. So if you are a fan of curry, make sure to visit Brick Lane. In and around the area, you can also find street food, fruit and vegetable stalls, and bargains, as well as street art and graffiti.
Threadneedle Street
Threadneedle Street has located in the heart of London since Roman times. People usually heard of Threadneedle Street in the nickname “the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street” given to the famous Bank of England. In addition to the Bank of England, there are a number of shops, banks, restaurants and offices. The London Stock Exchange was also situated on Threadneedle Street until 2004, when it relocated to nearby Paternoster Square.
Fleet Street
Fleet Street is famous for the large number of newspaper printing offices housed inside the street’s buildings. Originally established by the Romans as a crucial thoroughfare route, there are also plenty of Christian churches dotted along the street. In 1666, it also suffered from Great Fire of London. Today, Fleet Street is a blessing road with plenty of brilliant restaurants, bars, and things to do.
Cloth Fair
Cloth Fair is one of the old streets of London where merchants gathered in medieval times to buy and sell goods during the Bartholomew Fair. It is now a short residential street to the east of Smithfield in the north-western part of the city, in the Farringdon Within ward.
Pudding Lane – one of the most painfully historic London streets
One might think of “pudding” as a sweet dessert. However, the word “pudding” in the name Pudding Lane is from the Old French word for blood sausage. The street got its name from its proximity to Eastcheap, a medieval London meat market.
As one of the old streets of London, Pudding Lane witnessed one of the city’s most devastating events. In September 1666, a spark from an oven in a bakery at 23 Pudding Lane sparked an inferno that engulfed the City of London. The Great London Fire destroyed 13,200 houses, 87 parish churches, and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Artillery Passage
How the old streets of London got their names has many things to do with the history of London. And Artillery Passage is just an exact example. In 1547, King Henry VIII granted permission for shooting practice in the wide open fields just outside the city walls. These grounds’ subsequent construction of Artillery barracks gave rise to the numerous places in the area known as ‘Artillery,’ including Artillery Passage. Today the whole street are narrow with pubs and restaurants. And it always seems teeming at night.
Aldermans Walk
Alderman’s Walk used to run along the north side of the church, ending in a large courtyard known as Dashwood’s Walk. By the 19th century, the courtyard had vanished and left only a short alley that ended just past the back of the church. For that reason, people had renamed it Alderman’s Walk. Today, that side alley has a row of very nice offset seating and planting during the office block’s refurbishment.
Lombard Street – Italian origin, one of the financially historic London streets
Lombard Street takes its name from the Italian town of Guardia Lombardi. It is notable for its long history connecting with London’s merchant, banking, and insurance industries. The buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries are still standing. However, they are fully occupied as offices for a variety of businesses other than banking.
Some most famous streets in London today
Oxford Street – one of the top-rated famous streets in London
Oxford Street of London is the world’s biggest high street, ranking first in fashion, entertainment, technology, and innovation. It has 1.5 miles of unrivaled shopping, with over 90 flagship stores ranging from fashion and beauty to technology and homeware.
Abbey Road
The Beatles made this London street famous by photographing a zebra crossing on the street for their Abbey Road album in an attempt to save money. Fans of the band have since flocked to Abbey Road to recreate the iconic photograph on the zebra crossing. Because of its cultural and historical significance, the government has designated the zebra crossing as a special site.
Regent Street
Regent Street is one of London famous streets thanks to its Christmas lights. King George IV’s Prince Regent, who proposed a new road connecting Carlton House and Regent’s Park, also inspired Regent Street name. However, the arrival of British brands such as Hamleys and Liberty on Regent Street in the late 1800s was what cemented the street’s reputation as a shopping destination.
Streets are essential parts of the city in all aspects. Now that you have gone through many famous London streets. Check this list of Sydney’s streets that will make you want to move here.
Tips for travelling in London to not regret missing any good things
- Buy a London Pass to see many of London’s most iconic landmarks without the ever-escalating costs.
- Get an Oyster Card online here, or purchase it at Tube or any National Rail stations to cut down your London travel costs.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes
- Discover street food markets such as Maltby Street Market and Flat Iron Square to enjoy London’s food scene
- Save cost on major London free tourist attractions
- Bring your credit cards, because it’s widely accepted and convenient
- Stay as centrally as you can afford to see as much of London as possible
- Finally, remember to visit some of the most famous streets. You might enjoy a shopping day on Oxford Street London.
