A laystall was a place where
cattle
Cattle (''Bos taurus'') are large, domesticated, cloven-hooved, herbivores. They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae and the most widespread species of the genus ''Bos''. Adult females are referred to as cows and adult mal ...
going to market could be held, and by extension became a term for a place where detritus (particularly
dung) was accumulated awaiting its removal.
The siting of laystalls was a contentious issue during the rebuilding of London after the
fire of 1666, due to the noise and nuisance they created.
Several streets in the UK bear the name Laystall Street, such as in
Clerkenwell
Clerkenwell () is an area of central London, England.
Clerkenwell was an ancient parish from the mediaeval period onwards, and now forms the south-western part of the London Borough of Islington.
The well after which it was named was redisco ...
, London.
See also
Whitechapel Mount
Whitechapel Mount was a large artificial mound of disputed origin. A prominent landmark in 18th century London, it stood in the Whitechapel Road beside the newly constructed London Hospital, being not only older, but significantly taller. It ...
References
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Cattle