London’s Alleys: Talbot Yard, SE1

This is a narrow alley leading off Borough High Street in Southwark with a link to one of England’s most famous stories. The alley was once home to a famous coaching inn, and plays a key part in Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. Today it’s lost all its history, being more a back alley that gives access to the back of shops and Guys Hospital’s sprawling estate behind.The alley likely dates from at least 1300, as there was an old and famous coaching inn on the site, the Tabar