AUBREES WATERGATE

   A lane so called mentioned as a boundary of property granted by John de Suffolch to Eustace the prior, and the convent of Holy Trinity, 1 Edward I.

   The property is described as " a quay with houses and shops built thereon extending from the High Street to the Thames and from the angle of the lane called ' Aubrees Watergate ' to the quay of William, son of Edmund de Essex " (Anc. Deeds, A. 7283).

   Evidently a lane leading down to the Thames belonging to one Aubree, but not identified.

   These " watergates," whether lanes, quays or gates to the river were very numerous and often had no distinguishing prefix. Three of them are mentioned simply as " le Watergate " in the enquiry held in 17 Edward III. into the condition of the approaches to the Thames (Lib. Cust. II. 446).