Extended from Tower Hill to Puddle Dock, in Tower, Billingsgate, Bridge Within, Dowgate, Vintry, Queenhithe and Castle Baynard Wards.
Now divided into Lower and Upper Thames Street (q.v.).
Earliest mention the "street of the Thames" by Queenhithe, 49 H. III. (Cal. P.R. H. III. 1258-66, p.467). Near Billingsgate (ib. p.468).
Other names and forms: "Thamisestrate," 56 H. III. (Anc. Deeds, A. 2684). Tamesestrate," 1277 (Ct. H.W. I. 28). " Tamestrate," 1282-3 (lb. 62). " Temestret," 1308 (ib. 202). " Tamystrate," 1311 (ib. 223). " Tamistrete," 1315 (ib. 254). " Temisestrete," 1349-50 (Ct. H.W. I. 627).
Strype says of it: "Thames Street begins at Puddle Dock and runs eastward to the Tower, which is above a mile in length ; but is in several Wards. It is a Street, especially Eastward, of a very good Trade, and inhabited by great dealers; besides the Diers, Brewers, Woodmongers, and Timber Yards on the South side, next the Thames. And by reason thereof, and of the several Keys and Wharfs, it is much pestered with Carts, for the lading and unlading of goods" (ed. 1720, I. iii. 229).
Eastern end called "Petty Wales" (q.v.).
So named from its proximity to the river.
The longest street in London (W. Stow, 1722).
At the foot of Lambeth Hill near Blackfriars, during excavations for sewerage, a wall was found at a depth of 9 feet from the present street level, forming an angle with Lambeth Hill and Thames Street, and extending from Lambeth Hill to Queenhithe, 8-10 feet thick, and 8 feet in height (R. Smith, 18). Opposite Queen Street a similar wall was found. The level of the street at the time of the Great Fire of 1666 was 6 feet lower than at the present time.
Remains of an ancient paved causeway have been discovered under the street, and numerous remains of Roman pottery, coins, etc.
The Roman level seemed to be from 20 to 25 feet lower than at present and numerous piles and beams and trunks of oak trees have been found, suggesting the remains of the old embankment of Roman London.
A Dictionary of London. Henry A Harben. 1918.