Gibson's Key

   West of lane called Watergate, and south of Thames Street, belonging to Amisia Gibson, 32 H. VIII. (L. and P. H. VIII. Vol. XVI. pp. 239 and 503). In parish of St. Dunstan in the East, 35 Eliz. 1593 (Lond. I. p.m. III. p. 172).

   Former names : "Asselynis Warff" (44 Ed. III. Anc. Deeds, A. 2551). "Asselyns Wharf" (ib. A. 2514). "Asselynes wharf" (ib. A. 1706). "Asshelynes wharf," 1465-6 (Ct. H,W. II. 553). "Assheling warffe," 23 Eliz. 1581 (Lond. I. p.m. III. p. 36). "Pakkemannys Wharf," "Pakenames Wharf," "Pakename warfe," 7 Rich. II. (Anc. Deeds, A. 1779) ; 1465-6 (Ct. H.W. II. 553) ; 32 H. VIII. (L. and P. H. VIII., XVI. 239). Puckman Wharfe, 23 Eliz. 1581 (Lond. I. p.m. III. p. 36). "Crychurch warffe," 32 H. VIII. 1541 (L. and P. H. VIII. XVI. 239). "Crechurche-wharfe," 23 Eliz. 1581 (Lond. I. p.m. III. p. 36).

   Gibson's Key alias "Draper's Keye" formerly in tenure of Christopher Draper, 35 Eliz. (1593) (Lond. I. p.m. III. p. 172).

   These names are obviously derived from the successive owners who were in possession of the Key from time to time, and they furnish a good example of the changes of nomenclature that took place in these quays from time to time.

   If the lane called Watergate is to be identified with Water Lane, then the site of this Key is now covered by the Custom House.

   Appointed a general place for lading and discharging goods under the Act of Parliament, 1559 (Strype, ed. 1720, I. ii. 49).