AMEN CORNER

Evening Star, Issue 19320, 5 August 1926, Page 1

AMEN CORNER

Notable amongst the corners of old London is that denoted “Amen” ( writes T. H. Ditelificld, in ‘T.IVs and Cassell’s Weekly’’). Yon conic across it very surprisingly, after an altercation with your publisher or a disappointment in not securing 1 ho, exact book you want', and then you find yourself at the end of Pater nosier row in this liiilc paradise, a green oasis in the midst of turbulent si reels and noisy crowds. Whence did it derive its name?

This is evidently connected with the nomenclature of Pnteni'oster row, Avo Maria lane, and Creed lane. It, must ho remembered that a wall surrounded the precincts of Rt. Pants Catiiedral, and the famous row was just outside the boundary. In medieval times the church used to favor processions, and often the clergy of Rt. Paul’s, attended by choristers at various times, were accustomed to perambulate the streets nigh the Cathedral, and the singers chanted as they went. IVhen they turned into the narrow thoroughfare they commenced to sing the Paternoster, and when they came to Amen Corner they finished their recitation of the Lord’s Prayer. Then they turned south and chanted the ‘Avo Maria’ as they passed along, and when that was finished the solemn chanting of the Creed was heard as the procession moved along Creed lane. This seems to be a, better explanation of the names than that devised by John Stow, who stated that Paternoster was so named “because, of stationers, or text writers, that dwelt there who wrote and sold all sorts of books then in use: ABC, with the Pater Noster, Ave, Creed, Graces, etc. There dwell, the turners of beads, and they are, called Paternoster makers. At the. end of Paternoster row is Ave, Maria lane, so called upon the like occasion ot loxlmakers and bead-makers then dwelling there.” Those, artificers were, called paternosters, and turned heads for rosaarios. One Richard Bussell, described as a paternoster, was living hero in ]349. It seems to roe better to accept the. former explanation. ’ - This little precinct called A men Corner is separated from the street by a wall pierced hy a handsome gateway. The College of Physicians was in the lane before the Great Fire, but it was burnt down and a canon’s house erected on the site. Within the corner and Arao.n Court aro the dwellings of the canons of St. Paul’s and other officials, wherein the former can write their sermons and live in pence, and not, ho distracted by the , roll of constant traffic in this quiet little oasis.