IVY LANE

   North out of Paternoster Row, at Nos. 22-23, to Newgate Street. In Farringdon Ward Within.

   First mention: "Yvilane," temp. H. III. (H. MSS. Com. 9th Rep. 68).

   Former names : "Alsies or Yvilane" on the north side of St. Paul's (temp H. III.) (H. MSS. Com. 9th Rep. p. 68). "Ivilane," which used to be called "Fukemer lane," 1280 (Ct. H.W. I. 49). "Folkemares lane," 1247 (MS. D. and C. St. Paul's, Press A. Box 9, No. 280). "Folkmere lane," 1285 (ib. Lib. L. fo. 115). "Alsies Lane," 12th cent. (H. MSS. Com. 9th Rep. p. 25). "Alfies lane," 13th cent. (MSS. D. and C. St. Paul's, Lib. L. p. 149). Described in index as "yvieselane" alias "Alfies lane."

   It would appear from these various entries that the original name of the lane was "Folkemares lane," perhaps so named from its proximity to the ground set apart for the meetings of the Folkmoot, afterwards encroached on by the Dean and Chapter (See Folkmoot). Later the name was changed to "Alsies" or "Alfies" lane, from a personal name, which name was in course of time corrupted into "Yviese" lane and thence into "Ivy" lane.