Quaker Street was at first called Westbury Street.
The area’s history dates back to the late 16th century when it belonged to Richard Hanbury, a goldsmith. He leased part of the land to Edward Hemmynge, a brickmaker, which may explain the origin of Brick Lane, although other brickworks existed in the vicinity later.
Around 1656, William Browne, who had leased three acres of pasture, laid out Quaker Street. Hanbury’s daughter married Sir Richard Wheler, after whom Wheler Street is named. The Wheler family maintained ownership of much of the area, leasing portions to various tenants.
John Stott, a mariner from Stepney, developed both Grey Eagle Street and Black Eagle Street between 1661 and 1670. In 1666, the Black Eagle Brewery was established, possibly by London entrepreneur William Bucknall on land leased from Stott. The origin of the brewery’s name remains unclear, with some sources suggesting it derived from the street name.
Part of the Wilkes estate, Quaker Street was extended westward in 1858-62.
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