(St.) John's Street

   North from West Smithfield to Goswell Road and Pentonville Road (P.O. Directory).

   Until the middle of the 19th century the street extended south into Farringdon Ward Without, the southern end being within the City boundary. But this end was demolished for the erection of the Metropolitan Meat Market in Smithfield, so that the whole street now lies outside the City boundary, in Clerkenwell parish.

   Earliest mention: "Strata quae vadit de barra de Smethefelde versus yseldone," c. 1170 (Charter in Tomlins, p. 18).

   Other forms : "Seintjonestrete," 49 Ed. III. (Anc. Deeds, B. 2180). "St. John Street, alias Cow cross," 5 H. VIII. (L. and P. H. VIII. I. 1509-14, p. 546).

   Named after the Priory of St. John of Jerusalem.