On the south side of Lower Thames Street, next to St. Magnus Church (P.O. Directory). In Billingsgate Ward.
In the parish of St. Botolph, Billingsgate (Cal. L. Bk. G. p. 221).
Earliest mention found in records : "Fresshewharf," 41 Ed. III. 1367 (Cal. L. Bk. G. p. 221).
Other names : "Fresshffysshewharfe," 1363, ib. f. cxxxvi., and in Herbert II. p. 120. "Frosshwharf," 45 Ed. III. (Anc. Deeds, A. 7377).
Some early deeds of the 12th century relating to wharves at Rederisgate (q.v.) are endorsed "Frossewarf" (Anc. Deeds, A. 1912, A. 7061, A. 7309), so possibly this was the earlier name for Fresh Wharf.
The name was probably derived from the fish brought there, for in 1363 it was one of the places appointed for the discharging of fish (Cal. L. Bk. G. above, and in Herbert II. 120).
It is interesting to note that in 1301 there was a John Fresfis resident in the neighbourhood (Ct. H.W. I. 153).
In 1559 it was made by Act of Parliament a general place for lading and discharging goods (Strype, ed. 1720, I. ii. 49), and seems to have been of considerable importance, as in the same year mention is made of the "Fresshe Wharffegate" and of a large mesusage there (Lond. I. p.m. I. 181).
A Dictionary of London. Henry A Harben. 1918.