Carter Lane

   1) West out of Old Change to Water Lane (P.O. Directory). In Castle Baynard Ward and Farringdon Ward Within.

   First mention: "Carterstrete," 1295 (Ct. H.W. I. 122).

   Other forms : "Cartereslane," 1349 (Ct. H.W. I. 587). "Carterslane," 20 Rich. II. (Anc. Deeds, C. 3055). "Carterelane," 1397 (Ct. H.W. II. 328). "Carterislane," I H. V. (ib. C. 3245). "Great Carter Lane" and "Little Carter Lane" (O. and M. 1677 to O.S. 1848-50).

   Great Carter Lane extended from Creed Lane to Paul's Chain, forming the western end of the street, while Little Carter Lane extended to Old Change, forming the eastern end.

   The western end from Creed Lane to Water Lane was called formerly : "Shoemaker Row," 1653 (L. and P. Common. V. 82-Elmes, 1831). "Shoemaker Lane" (O.S. 1848-50).

   The names : "Great Carter Lane," "Little Carter Lane," and "Shoemaker Row, or Lane" were abolished in 1866 and the whole street named Carter Lane.

   The early forms of the name suggest that it was intended to commemorate a former owner of property there.

   2) Stow says Chequer Yard used to be called Carter Lane, of carts and Carmen having stables there (S. 233).

   See Chequer Yard, Dowgate.