East out of Coleman Street, at No. 66, across Moorgate Street, at No. 39, to Little Swan Alley (P.O. Directory). Seems to be all called Great Swan Alley now. In Coleman Street Ward.
First mention: Horwood, 1799.
Former names : "Swan Alley," 19 Hen. VIII. 1528 (L. and P. H. VIII. Vol. IV. (Pt. 2), p. 1789). "Swanne Alley." 1566 (Lond. I. p.m. II. 46). "Swann Alley" (O. and M. 1677).
Name derived from the sign.
A Dictionary of London. Henry A Harben. 1918.