The thoroughfare is first recorded as Purtepol Street in the 13th century, when the area formed part of Portpool Manor.

[1] Richard Horwood's map (updated by William Faden in 1813) calls the whole stretch from Holborn to modern King's Cross "Grays Inn Lane", but by the mid-19th century it was solidified as Gray's Inn Road.

[3] Hand Axe Yard, a residential development adjoining Gray's Inn Road, takes its name from the object.

The name "Purtepol Street" is recorded in the time of Henry III and this may be the first reference to the current Gray's Inn Road.

John Rocque's map of 1738 depicts "Grays Inn Lane" which clearly applies to the stretch from Holborn to the edge of the built up area (somewhat south of the present Calthorpe Street), but where it passes into the country it is called "Road to Hampstead and Highgate".