London’s Alleys: Bow Lane, EC4

This narrow lane in the City of London is famous for being lined with shops and cafes and is also one of the oldest surviving lanes in the City on its original layout.Bisected by the equally ancient Watling Street, Bow Lane was originally two roads, the southern half being Cordwanerstrete, and the northern half being Hosyerlane. Although today it’s named after St Mary-le-bow church on the northern corner, the church existed long before the name changed, but was originally called St Mary de