Beer Lane facts for kids
Beer Lane was a short street in the City of London. It was known by this name, or as Bear Lane, from at least 1570 until 1910. The lane connected two other important streets.
It started near the east end of Great Tower Street. This was opposite Seething Lane. Beer Lane then stretched down to 53 Lower Thames Street. This spot was across from the Custom House's east warehouse.
The famous historian John Stow, who was born in 1525, wrote about the lane. He said, "At the east end of Tower Street, on the south side, have ye Beare Lane, wherein are many fair houses, and runneth down to Thames Street." This tells us it was a well-known street with nice buildings.
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What Was Bear Quay?
A Busy Trading Spot
Near the lower end of Beer Lane, there was a busy area called Bear Quay. This quay was right on the city bank of the Tideway. It was later known as Great Bear Quay and Little Bear Quay.
This area was mainly used for moving goods. Ships would bring in grain, like wheat, and unload it here. Other goods were also sent out from this quay.
A Market for Grain
Edward Hatton, a surveyor, wrote about Bear Quay in 1708. In his book, A New View of London, he described it as a very important place. He said, "Here is a very great market for wheat and other sorts of grain, brought hither from the neighbouring counties." This means farmers from nearby areas would bring their crops to sell at this market. It was a key place for London's food supply.
Later Years of Beer Lane
Businesses on the Lane
In the early 1900s, Beer Lane was home to different businesses. One company had its office and warehouse there. This shows that even as London changed, Beer Lane remained a place for trade and business.
