FLEET LANE

   West out of Old Bailey at Nos. 45 and 25 to No. 16 Farringdon Street (P.O. Directory). In Farringdon Ward Without.

   First mention: "Fletlaune," 1544 (Lond. I. p.m. II. 93).

   Other forms : "Flete Lane," 1562-3 (Ct. H.W. II. 680).

   Perhaps identical with "a lane without Newgate going towards the Fleet," 49 H. III. (Anc. Deeds, A. 2328).

   "High street by which one goes to the prison of Flete," 23 H. VI. (ib. B. 2176).

   The lane was cut in two in the 19th century by the formation of the L.C. and Dover Railway lines.

   In Stow's time the eastern end out of Old Bailey to Seacole Lane was called "St George's Lane." New Inn formerly stood here. But being decayed was moved near Clement's Inn (S. 374-5 and 391).

   Named from the Fleet (q.v.).

   See Smale Lane.