Lillian Road in Barnes used to be called Fanny Road but the sign was stolen so many times that they had to change the name. There is a road called Arterberry Road in Wimbledon where some wag keeps painting a 'F' in front. They keep replacing the sign but the mystery signwriter keeps coming back.
There are several derogatory names [from medieval] London, such as Addle Street, which means a filthy spot. Fetter, as in Fetter Lane, means a layabout or false beggar.
Those names survive, but others were so rude they were changed or disappeared altogether. Sherborne Lane, near Cannon Street, was originally Shiteburn Lane, meaning s**t house after the public lavatories in it. The Corporation might also be less than keen on an alley off Cheapside called, er, Gropec**t Lane.
Posted By: SherryEnema, Jun 7, 13:50:01
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