Weaver alley, near Spicer’s street, Spitalfields.
Weavers, this company, which was anciently denominated Thenarii, appears to have been the most ancient guild of this city, for in the reign of Henry I. they paid 16l. a year to the crown for their immunities. Their privileges were afterwards confirmed at Winchester by letters patent granted by Henry II. which are still in the company’s possession; but are without a date; and in these letters, the annual sum payable to the crown is fixed at two marks of gold, to be paid yearly at Michaelmas, on the penalty of 10l.
This company originally consisted of the cloth, and tapestry weavers, who in the seventh of Henry IV. were put under the management, and authority of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen of the city.
They are now governed by two bailiffs, two wardens, and sixteen assistants, with a livery of 279 members, whose fine upon their admission is 6l.
The weavers have a handsome hall in Basinghall street, adorned on the inside with hangings, fretwork, and a screen of the Ionic order. Maitland.
Weavers Arms yard, Booth street, Spitalfields.*
Weavers lane, Horselydown.†
Weavers street, Fleet street Spitalfields.
Webb’s court, Red Lion alley.†
Webb’s square, Shoreditch.†