Place Name
Formerly Herthstrete in 1348 and Hertstrete in 1405 which for many scholars suggests a connection with the hearthstone trade here, in other words where fireplace manufacturers sold their wares. But Al Smith in Dictionary of City of London Street Names suggests an alternative origin. Writing in 1970, he says: “The church of St Olave has stood here since Saxon times… Many years ago a few pieces of the old church plate were found, and these were engraved with tiny hearts, probably the emblem of the original church.”
