Fann Street

In its original form of Fann's Alley the street was almost certainly named after a former owner or builder in the seventeenth century, and a likely candidate is Stephen Fann, carpenter, whose 1613 will states that he had property in the Precinct of 'Goswelstrete'.

[2] Despite the claim made by the plaque placed by the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers on the Jewin Chapel in this street, the name has no connection with the making of fans.

In 1838, the typographer Robert Besley, the creator of Clarendon the first patented typeface in 1845, joined the Fann Street Foundry.

[4] The former YMCA Building at 2 Fann Street has been renamed Blake Tower and has been redeveloped to create 72 luxury apartments.

[5] A history of the street and its former inhabitants has been provided by Anthony Camp in On the City's edge: A History of Fann Street, London (2016, ISBN 978-0-9503308-3-9).