CROWNED SELD

   On the north side of the church of St. Mary le Bow in Westchepe (S. 259). In Cordwainer Ward, and perhaps extending into Cheap Ward.

   Earliest mention: "la Selde coronata," 1384 (Ct. H.W. II. 242).

   Other names : "le Crouneseld " in le Mercerie in Westchepe in parish of St. Mary le Bow, 17 Rich. II. and 12 H. IV. (Cal. P.R. H. IV. 1408-13, p. 274). Selde called the "Croune " in Chepe, 35 H. VI. (Cal. L. Bk. K. p. 386).

   Stow says that Edward III. caused it to be erected and built of stone, so that he, the Queen and others might witness from there the joistings and other shows in Chepe (S. 259), and that in his time it was still used for this purpose.

   It seems to have been at other times in private hands and to have been used as a seld or shop (Ct. H.W. II. 242).

   In 12 H. IV. it was granted to Stephen Spilman and other mercers by the name of the "Crounsilde" or "Tamarsilde" (S. 259, 272).

   Stow says it was called the King's Head in time of Henry VIII. (S. 260).

   There was a house called the "King's Head in Chepe" belonging to the Convent of Christ Church, Canterbury, 1450, perhaps this was the same.

   "Tamarsilde" probably a mistake for Tannersselde (q.v.).

   The street adjacent called Crown Court may possibly preserve the name of this old building.