The Saturday Street is our weekly series in which we unlock the stories behind the names of London's famous thoroughfares. It's compiled by London Walks guide Karen – listed by Travel + Leisure magazine as The World's Greatest Tour Guide. You can find Karen on Saturdays guiding her Old Westminster and British Museum walks. If you've got a London street query or suggestion, email Karen at the usual address
Ireland Yard Location: The City EC4
A family named Ireland owned the land here from the 17th Century, but this small thoroughfare bulges with history. Shakespeare bought a house nearby (for £140!), the Blackfriars monastery stood here and the historic Cock Tavern (from 1757) still stands.