South out of Carter Lane at No. 51 to Knightrider Street in Castle Baynard Ward (P.O. Directory).
First mention: 1649 (L. and P. Commonw. 1.523).
Former names: "Adling Hill," 16oo, "Shoemakers' Holiday," printed there, 1648 L.C.C. Deeds, Harben Bequest, 1600 -1700, No.132). "Adlestreete" (S. 365). " Adlingstreat," 1585-7, in parish of St. Andrew in "le Wardroppe ,' (London, I. p.m. III.105). "Adlyns Street," at the further end of the street called Knightrider Street, 12 Eliz. (ib. II.125).
The earlier forms are : " Athelstrete," 1392 (Cal. P.R. Ric. II. 1391-6, p. 185). Athelestrete," 1334 (Ct. H.W. I. 399). " Athelingestreet," 1283-5 (MS. D. and C. St. Paul's, Press A. Box 4, 109). " Adhelingestrate," in parochia sancti Benedicti a la Huthe, 1244 (MS. D. and C. St. Paul's, Press A. Box 4, 688). " Athelingestrete" in parochia sancti Andr. de Castro baynardi, 1272-80 (ib. Box 2, 313). " Achelingestrete," 1349 (Ct. H.W. I.606). "Achelingestrete," 1285 (D. and C. St. Paul's Lib. L. f. 93).
In former times the street extended south to Upper Thames Street, so that some portion of the eastern side lay in the parish of St. Benet, Paul's Wharf. This southern end was demolished for the formation of Queen Victoria Street.
The earliest form of the name seems to be " Adhelingestrate" or " Athelingestrete," and it can easily be seen from the foregoing examples that the present name is a corruption from the earlier forms.
The name may have been derived from the old English "ethel" = home, dwelling. from "etheling " = noble, prince, or from the Saxon name "Athel," which seems to be the more probable derivation.