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Lombard Street

roseAgas Map
roseModern Map
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roseList variant names and spellings
Lombard Street runs east to west from Gracechurch Street to Poultry. The Agas map labels it Lombard ſtreat. Lombard Street limns the south end of Langbourn Ward, but borders three other wards: Walbrook Ward to the south east, Bridge Within Ward to the south west, and Candlewick Street Ward to the south.
John Stow contends that Lombard Street acquired its name from the Lombard merchants who settled there in the 12th century. Weinreb, Hibbert, Keay, and Keay concur (Weinreb, Hibbert, Keay, and Keay 494). Citing Kingsford’s research, Ekwall opposes this claim (98). He argues that Lombard was originally named Langebordstrete, which means the street leading to Langebord, Langebord being the name from which Langbourn Ward is derived. (See also Harben.)
The area was used as a merchant exchange from the time of the 12th century until the Royal Exchange became the main trading site.
Lombard Street was home to many wealthy merchants, including Gregory de Rokesly, who served eight years as the mayor of London (1274-1281 and 1284-1285) (Lachaud; MASL 66). Lombard Street later became the banking centre of London. Lloyds Bank was located here during the 18th century. Barclays’ Bank has a long history on Lombard Street, from its beginnings in the late 17th century in a goldsmith’s shop until 2005.
There are many references to Lombard Street in early modern drama that invoke its function as a place of business and trade. Playwright Thomas Heywood makes many mentions of Lombard Street in his plays. In If You Know Not Me You Know Nobody, Part 2, Sir Thomas Ramsey exclaims Tis ſtrange to ſee you here in Lumberſtreet, / This place of trafficke whereon Marchants meete.

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