Place Name
The story behind this little turning is said to date from 1330 when Cheapside was used as a setting for tournaments. One such event was held in order to celebrate the birth of the new heir of England, Edward of Woodstock, later to be known to history as the Black Prince. Fighting it out on the section between Wood Street and Queen Street, would be 13 knights on each side. As was usual for such pageantry, a temporary grandstand was ordered for the royal members. Philippa, wife of King Edward III, and all the female nobility were invited to be present. Scarcely had the tournament got underway when the scaffolding suddenly collapsed, bringing the Queen and her party to the ground. Though no one was injured, all were terribly frightened, and great confusion ensued. When the young king saw the peril of his wife, he flew into a rage, and ordered that the carpenters who had constructed the shoddy stand should instantly be put to death. They were saved when the Queen threw herself to her knees pleading for the pardon of the hapless workmen. Edward pacified, forgave them. And a permanent stone structure was built in its place. Hence Crown Court.
