South out of St. Paul's Churchyard, at No. 14, to Queen Victoria Street (P.O. Directory). In Castle Baynard Ward.
First mention: "Godlyman Street" (P.C. 1732).
Other form : "Godalmin Street" (Rocque, 1746).
Former name : "Paul's Chaine" (O. and M. 1677-W. Stow, 1722).
In former times this was quite a small street and extended only from Carter Lane to Knightrider Street, the southern portion from Knightrider Street forming until recently a part of Bennet Hill, while the northern portion from Carter Lane was called Paul's Chain. It was not until 1890 that the present name was used to designate the whole street, when "Godliman Street" superseded the names "Bennet Hill" and "Paul's Chain" respectively.
It is interesting to note with reference to an earlier spelling of the name recorded above, that in Pepys' Diary, Godalming in Surrey is called Godliman.
It is not easy to account for the origin of the name as applied to this street, but "Godelmynges" were a kind of cordwain made from the skin of a young animal, this name being apparently derived from Godalming, where the trade of tanning is still carried on (Lib. Albus, I. 231, and III. 323). "Godelmynges" were liable to a charge of one penny the dozen, if they came from beyond the seas (ib.).
A Dictionary of London. Henry A Harben. 1918.