The story behind Distaff Lane

I've always had a bit of a fascination with street names, especially the ones around St Paul's, where I work. There's something quietly intriguing about them - little signposts to the past that we walk by every day without thinking. One that caught my eye recently is just across from my office: Distaff Lane.

What on earth is a "distaff"? After a bit of digging (and a small Wikipedia rabbit hole), I found out it's a tool used in spinning - basically a stick or spindle onto which wool or flax is wound. It's closely tied to women's work in the textile industry, especially during medieval times.

Distaff Lane isn't just a quirky old name - it's a window into London's history. This street was most likely associated with textile work, particularly spinning, a vital part of medieval life and largely done by woman. The name itself probably dates back to somewhere between the 12th and 15th centuries.

It's amazing to thing that Distaff Lane has existed for hundreds of years, quietly holding on to the memory of women's labour in a time when their contributions often went unrecorded. It's just one of many little reminders that London is full of stories - some hidden in plain sight, waiting to be rediscovered.

Next time you're walking near St Paul's, take a second look at the street names. You might find yourself holding a thread that leads straight back to the Middle Ages.