Milton Street

   North out of Fore Street, at No. 96, to 56 Chiswell Street (P.O. Directory). In Cripplegate Ward Without, except a few buildings at the northern end, which are in the borough of Finsbury.

   First mention: Elmes, 1831.

   Former name : "Grub Street."

   Forms : "Grobstrat," 1217-43 (H. MSS. Com. 9th Rep. p. 8). "Grobbestrate," 1277-8 (Ct. H.W. I. 29). "Grubbestrate," 1281 (ib. 43). "Grubbestrete," 1298 (ib. 134). "Grubbelane," 1336 (Cal. L. Bk. E. p. 289). "Grubstrete," 41 Ed. III. (Anc. Deeds, A. 11855). "Crobbestrate" (Cal. L. Bk. D. p. 186). "Grub Street" (Stow-Lockie, 1816).

   As to the derivation of this name, it has been suggested in N. and Q. 8th S. XII. 251, that it occurs frequently as a name for a Roman way, but no evidence is given in support of the statement.

   "Grapan," "gropian," A.S. = to grope. "Grube" = a ditch or drain (Halliwell). Denton adopts the latter word as the true origin of the name.

   The name Milton Street was adopted (1830) in memory of the carpenter and builder who owned the building lease of the street at the time (Elmes).