In relation to old "Lyndeby" or Linby Lane, but now Bottle Lane, I have previously expressed regret that such a change of name occurred. Reference to this roadway is rendered more interesting from the fact of the head-quarters of The Thoroton Society being situated in Bottle Lane. The old appellation is derived from Hugh de Lyndeby, who was one of the town Bailiffs (before there were Sheriffs) in 1390-91, and Mayor in 1400—1401; Richard de Lyndeby being then one of the Bailiffs. Hugh de Lindeby lived in the lane, and for a few years appears to have been an active resident in the town, yet after he had held the position of Mayor we hear but little of him.
Thoroton entitles it "Linby Lane" on his map; but Deering on page 12 mentions "Bottle Lane," and then refers us to Linby Lane for details. From this there is little doubt that the change of title had occurred a moderate time previously; and I consider that Deering shows a preference for the old one. Respecting the little but interesting old avenue at the top of Bottle Lane, known in 1850 as Queen Street, there is an incidental but quaint reference to it, and Hugh de Linbe, in the Records, vol. 2, page 359, 1435, when mentioning lanes in Nottingham, namely:—"A comon lane yat gos owt of Walsed Gate into ye est end of Candelar Lane yat Hugh Lynbe has byged (built) on and ouer."
In concluding this, my first paper respecting the Old Streets of Nottingham, I desire to refer to the Subsidy Roll, 1523-4, as mentioned in the Borough Records, vol. 3, pages 163—181. From the information which may here be gathered, it is possible, not only to make most interesting comparisons between the various places or avenues alluded to, as regards their relative importance or influence nearly 400 years since, but also to note the comparative status occupied by various places at that date; their subsequent changes—more or less important—and to compare them with recent times, and present thoroughfares.
Curiosity will doubtless be increased from the fact, that (excepting infants) the names are given of all taking part in the subsidy, together with the places of their residence. In this way it is possible on some occasions to obtain information respecting the part of the town in which nearly 400 years since various noted residents lived. The total sum collected by the Mayor, William Kirkby, Robert Mellers, and Robert Hesilrig, was £50 6s. 8d.; but considering the centuries which have passed since it occurred; it would certainly represent or be equivalent to much the greater part of a thousand pounds in recent times.
Many servants, or serving men, were assessed at 4d. each, or equal in these times to five shillings or more. I propose to refer to the various roads or ways according to the amount raised in each, the first being:—
|
£ | s. | d. |
| Lowpament | 8 | 5 | 0 |
| Narrowmershe | 7 | 13 | 2 |
| Tymberhill (South Parade) | 6 | 3 | 8 |
| Highpament | 5 | 11 | 6 |
| Hencross (Poultry) | 3 | 19 | 6 |
| Gretsmythgate (Pelham Street) | 3 | 16 | 2 |
| Brodmarssh | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Bridelsmith Gate | 2 | 14 | 8 |
| Longrow | 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Walsergate | 2 | 2 | 8 |
| Whelewrightgate | 1 | 7 | 4 |
| Fisshergate | 0 | 15 | 2 |
| Frerow (Beastmarket Hill) | 0 | 18 | 0 |
| Chapelbarre (Bargate) | 0 | 11 | 8 |
| Castelgate | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| Stonistret | 0 | 5 | 8 |
| Infantes | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Gosegate | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| Berkergate | 0 | 2 | 4 |
| Sum total | £50 | 6 | 8 |
These it need not be repeated are all old thoroughfares, but there are still a few which are almost conspicuous by their absence. There is no reference to St. Mary Gate, Peter Gate, Flesher Gate, Hundgate, St. James Lane, Swine Green, Cowlane, &c. Socially, and as a business centre, Narrowmershe ranked high in 1524; Thomas Willoughby and William Parmatour were then living there, each of whom had been, or afterwards became, Mayor of Nottingham. The largest sum assessed in the town appears to have been paid by John Williamson, and it was £5. He resided on "Tymberhill," and found a large proportion of the money sent from that part. He was Mayor in 1509-10, 1510-11, 1517-18, and 1524-25.
Longrow occupies a very humble position to what many might expect. Thomas Bainbridge was assessed higher than any other person on the Row, but it was for 8s. only. Details connected with this Subsidy Roll the more fully confirm my thorough conviction that Hencrosse row, otherwise Hencrosse, reached on the eastern side from the bottom of Gretsmythgate (or Pelham Street) to what we now call Bottle Lane. Thirteen persons were assessed there, and John Rose is mentioned as paying three pounds. He appears to have previously been Mayor twice, and once afterwards. We must, however, make a little allowance for the frequent change in spelling names at the dates referred to, for in 1513-14 and 1520-21 it was John Roose, whereas in 1526-27 it was John Rosse.
It is difficult to account for the omission from the Subsidy Roll of various old thoroughfares which have been referred to, for it is practically certain that some would reside in them who would have to pay their share Respecting Stoney Street, even in Thoroton's time, as is shown on his map of the town, all the houses, &c, in it would have filled but little more than one side, and this also applies to Gosegate and Berkergate, and more or less to several other places.