The name is derived from the area being part of the historical lands which made up St. Mary's Abbey from 1139.

[3][4] The street is part of a larger general area developed by Humphrey Jervis after 1674 and is located in what was then one of the richest parishes in the city.

In 1765, Robert Adam redesigned the interior of the house giving it more of a Georgian appearance with extensive ceiling and wall stucco work across the main entertaining rooms.

[8][9] The much altered Georgian style house which was set back from the rest of main building line of the street.

The Paving Board was abolished in 1854 with the functions transferring to Dublin Corporation and the building was later occupied by Bewley and Draper.

It is now the location of the flagship store and head office of the retail chain Penney's (Primark) having been acquired out of bankruptcy by Galen Weston in 1969.