Drury Lane

Sir Walter Besant, in The Fascination of London, published in 1903, continues his survey of the Strand disctrict with this mention of Drury Lane:

Drury Lane derives its name from the family mansion of the Druries which stood on the site.

The brave Lord Craven bought this house and rebuilt it.

It is stated that he married privately the Queen of Bohemia, daughter of James I.

Timbs says that she occupied the house adjoining Craven House, which was connected with it by a subterranean passage.

Craven Buildings were built in 1723 upon the site of the house; Hayman, the artist, and Mrs. Bracegirdle, the actress, both had rooms in these buildings.

The Olympic Theatre is also partly on the site of Craven House.

Drury Lane was once a fashionable quarter, but lost that reputation before many of its contemporaries, and since the time of the third William has borne a more or less vile character.

Nell Gwynne was born in Coal Yard, which opens off on the east side.

Next: The Strand District: Drury Lane: Drury Lane Theatre