On the eastern bank of the Fleet, and afterwards of the Canal and Fleet Market, in Farringdon Ward Without (Elmes, 1831), south of Fleet Lane.
First mention: Custody "gaiolae de Ponte de Fleete" in hands of Nathaniel de Leveland and Robert his son, 1197 (Mag. Rot. 9 Rich. I.).
Called "le Francheprison" (q.v.), 1349.
"Caroone House," alias the Fleete, 1670 (H. MSS. Com. 12th Rep. V.17).
Burnt in the Fire and rebuilt. Destroyed in riots 1780 and rebuilt 1781-2.
Used for Star Chamber prisoners and afterwards for debtors, bankrupts, etc.
The Register books of the Fleet are at Somerset House.
Marriages in Fleet Chapel prohibited 1711. Continued to be celebrated within the Liberties of the Fleet until 1774, when they were declared null and void.
Purchased by the Corporation of London 1844, and used as the City Stone-yard. Site sold 1864 to the London, Chatham and Dover Railway Co. for the formation of their lines, and a portion of the site occupied by the Memorial Hall and Library in Farringdon Street.
Named after the Fleet River.
The Liberties of the Fleet included the north side of Ludgate Hill and the Old Bailey to Fleet Lane, down that lane to the market, and on the east side along by the Fleet prison to the bottom of Ludgate Hill.
A Dictionary of London. Henry A Harben. 1918.