Fleet Street, London
A Street Rich in History
Fleet Street takes its name from the now mostly underground River Fleet, once one of London's principal rivers. The river once flowed openly near this location before being gradually culverted and concealed by urban development. Though no longer visible, its legacy lives on in the name of the street.
Map of Fleet Street, London
Roads that branch from Fleet Street
Several notable roads branch off Fleet Street, contributing to its connectivity and prominence. These include:- Chancery Lane
- Fetter Lane
- Shoe Lane
- Bouverie Street
- Bride Lane
- Whitefriars Street
- New Bridge Street
Painting of Fleet Street (View full-size image here)
Fleet Street and the Press
Fleet Street was once synonymous with the British newspaper industry, serving as the base for nearly all major national newspapers for most of the 20th century. From the Daily Telegraph to The Sun, this narrow stretch of road was the beating heart of British journalism. While most newspapers have since relocated to areas like Canary Wharf and Southwark, "Fleet Street" remains a metonym for the press.Legal and Professional Life Today
Today, Fleet Street has largely transitioned into a hub for law firms, barristers' chambers, and other professional services. Its proximity to the Royal Courts of Justice and Inns of Court makes it a natural base for legal practitioners.Fun Fact
Fleet Street famously features in the story of Sweeney Todd, the fictional "Demon Barber of Fleet Street," whose tale has been adapted for stage and screen - including Tim Burton's 2007 film starring Johnny Depp. While there's no evidence he actually existed, the legend is deeply tied to the street's lore.Secondly, do you know that Fleet Street has held its name since the 13th century? Yeah, that's right. It is the street with the longest unchanged name in London. For more information on street naming, read How Street of London are Named.