The first essential improvement of London, after the re-building of the City, was the filling of Fleet-ditch, and forming the streets where the market is situated; and the next, the continuation of the plan to Blackfriars-bridge. The latter was suggested by the success of Westminster-bridge; and the removal of the houses and widening of the arches of London-bridge proceeded from perceiving the neat appearance and superior accommodations of the new ones.
The following is a list of "Openings to be made in the City of London, pursuant to an Act of Parliament" passed in the Session of 1760.
"In Aldersgate Ward. A passage twenty feet wide, from the East side of Aldersgate-street (opposite to Little Britain) to the West of Noble-street, opposite to Oat-lane; and through Wood-street, opposite to Love-lane.
In Aldgate Ward. A passage fifty feet wide, from the Mason's shop facing Crutched-friars, in a direct line to the Minories.
A passage, twenty-five feet wide, through Northumberland-alley, into Crutched-friars.
In Bishopsgate Ward. A passage, twenty-five feet wide, through Angel-court, in Bishopsgate-street, into Little St. Helen's.
A passage, twenty feet wide, from Broad-street, through Union-court, into Bishopsgate-street.
In Coleman-street Ward. A passage, fifty feet wide, from Tokenhouse-yard to London-wall.
In Farringdon Ward Within. A passage through Cock-alley, on Ludgate-hill, opposite to the Old Bailey, forty feet wide, into Blackfriars.
A passage, twenty-five feet wide, from Butcher-hall-lane, into Little-Britain.