High Friar Street

Between the medieval market street (Newgate Street) and Pilgrim Street ran Brother, Friarminor, Barefotfriar or Greyfriar Chare from 1251-59 onwards. Named after the Franciscan Friary (HER 1429) which stood on the western side of Pilgrim Street. Known as High Friar Chare or Street from 18th century to the time of its demolition. Matched by Low Friar Street on the other side of Newgate Street, linking Westgate with Newgate Street (named after the Blackfriars precinct). High Friar Street never achieved any prominence or prestige. Once the town walls had been built it was no longer the northernmost boundary of the town. It's real claim to fame is that it was the birthplace of Richard Grainger in 1797. Ironically it was Grainger who condemned High Frair Street to its status of "a dirty and ill-kept lane" by redeveloping the town and building Blackett Street. In the C19 High Friar Street was occupied by warehouses and workshops and a small number of houses. There were three public houses - Gardener's Arms, Friars Cell and the Crown and Sceptre.