Where do Love Lanes come from?
The origin of this street name is not as romantic as it may seem. In the Middle Ages, “Love Lane” was a place you could go if you were willing to pay for a “good time” with a lady.
‘Love Lane is a common street name relating to a more universal diversion. Towns and cities with such a street include Chester, Loughborough (Lei), Pinner, northwest London, Salisbury (Wil), Sheffield (SYo), Stepney, east London and Weymouth (Dor). The name usually dates from the 16th or 17th century, and apart from the obvious activity also implied a street that was dark or dangerous.
Take the romantically sounding Love Lane, close to London Wall. According to the 17th century historian, John Stowe, this was “so called because of wantons” – in other words it was a red light district.