This name of this short City of London laneway which runs between Eastcheap and Fenchurch Street in the City of London has nothing to do with rudeness or lewdness (as you have no doubt guessed).

Rather it’s an ancient term for a crucifix, known in days past as a ‘rood’ or ‘rood cross’.

The laneway was originally known as St Margaret Pattens Lane, a church which, dating back as far as the 12th century, still stands on the corner of the laneway and Eastcheap.

It’s a crucifix which once stood in the churchyard gave the laneway its new name.

Historian John Stow wrote that on 23rd May, 1538, the crucifix was found smashed into pieces “by people unknown”.