Coordinates: 51°30′59″N 0°05′25″W / 51.51649, -0.09025
Bassishaw is a ward in the City of London. This small ward is bounded on the east by Coleman Street ward, to the south by Cheap ward, to the north by Cripplegate ward, and on the west by Aldersgate ward. It historically consisted only of Basinghall Street with the courts and avenues leading off it[1] but today also includes streets further west, including Wood Street, and to the north such as St Alphage Garden[2].
History
Etymology
The ward is named for Basinghall, the mansion house of the Bassing family, who were prominent in the city from the 13th century[1]. Henry III granted Adam de Bassing certain houses in Aldermanbury and in Milk-street; the advowson of the church at Bassings hall; with other liberties and privileges. The family also spread in Cambridgeshire and gave their name to a place called Bassingbourn.
1755 Cole's Map of Bassishaw Ward
Guilds and churches
Located in this ward was a weekly cloth market, granted by Richard III. The Coopers' guild hall was first founded in this ward in 1522, at The Swan and from 1547, a purpose built hall. Their hall was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666, and rebuilt on the same site. They rebuilt again in 1865, selling a part of the site to the Corporation for the expansion of Guildhall. This hall was destroyed by fire on the night of 29th December, 1940[3].
The Masons' hall was constructed in 1463 in Mason's Avenue. Their hall was also sold to the Corporation in 1865. The Weavers', and Girdlers' also had their guild halls in the ward[1].
The modern livery halls of the Pewterers, Salters, Brewers and Girdlers are located in the ward.
There were only two churches in this small ward, neither remain standing.
Points of interest
The ward contains a large part of the Guildhall, the main administrative building for the City of London Corporation - a small part of the Guildhall lies in Cheap ward. Also in the ward is the Wood Street police station, the headquarters of the City of London Police.
Politics
Bassishaw is one of 25 wards in the City of London, each electing an Alderman, to the Court of Aldermen and Commoners (the City equivalent of a Councillor) to the Court of Common Council of the City of London Corporation. Only electors who are Freemen of the City of London are eligible to stand.
References
External Links
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