Arches, an ecclesiastical court in Doctors Commons, formerly kept in Bow church Cheapside, where the church and tower being arched, the court was from thence called The Arches, and still retains the name. As this is the highest court belonging to the Archbishop of Canterbury, hither all appeals in ecclesiastical matters within that province are directed. The judge of this court is stiled the Dean of the Arches, from his having a jurisdiction over a Deanry in London, consisting of 13 parishes or peculiars exempt from the Bishop of London’s jurisdiction. The other officers are a register, or examiner, an actuary, a beadle or crier, and an apparitor; besides advocates, procurators, or proctors. See Doctors Commons.
Archer’s alley, Peter street, near Bishopsgate street.†
Archer street, Great Windmill street.†
Argyle buildings, a new and very handsome street, regularly built, between Oxford road and Marlborough street; near the center is the Duke of Argyle’s house, a very plain edifice, with a small area, and a wall before it.
Argyle street, great Marlborough street.†
Arlington street, runs parallel to the upper end of St. James’s street, it having Park Place on the south, and Portugal street on the north. It is magnificently built.
Armourers, a company incorporated by King Henry VI. about the year 1423, by the title of The Master and Wardens, Brothers and Sisters of the fraternity of or guild of St. George, of the men of the mysteries of the Armourers of the city of London. The same Prince also honour’d the company by becoming one of their members. To this company, which formerly made coats of mail, is united that of the brasiers, who are jointly governed by a Master, two Wardens, and 21 Assistants. Their livery consists of eighty members, whose fine is 25l.
The armourers and brasiers hall is an old plain brick building near the north east corner of Coleman street.
Arnold’s court. 1. Barbican. 2. New lane, Shad Thames.†
Arnold’s yard, Barbican, Aldersgate street.†