College Street, ca.1884

From: Henry Dixon & Son

RA Collection: Art

"College Street (formerly Elbow Lane) and College Hill take their name from a foundation of Whittington, famous in City annals as having been four time Lord Mayor and thrice buried; still more famous in legend as the fortunate owner of a cat. The Church shown in the background of No.94 is St. Michael's, Paternoster Royal. "This Church," says Stowe, "was new-built and made a college of St. Spirit and St. Mary, founded by Richard Whittington, mercer, four times Mayor, for a master, four fellows - masters of art, clerks, conducts, chorists, &c., and an almshouse, called God's house, or hospital, for thirteen poor men" (p.91). The present Church was built by Wren in 1694. The almshouse was removed early in the century to Highgate. The doorway of Innholders' Hall, on the left of No.94, is given in detail in No. 95. The Hall was rebuilt soon after the Great Fire".

The above description, by Alfred Marks, was taken from the letterpress which accompanies the photographs. As Mark's describes, College Street derives its name from the college of five secular priests which was planned by Richard Whittington and built a year after his death in 1424. To the left of Dixon's photograph is the doorway of Innholder's Hall, headquarters of the Worshipful Company of Innkeepers, which has changed very little since it was rebuilt in 1670. Marks may have published this image and one of the Hall doorway, as, 1n 1884, the future of the Livery Companies was in debate, a Royal Commission having been convened to examine their privileges and wealth.