As with so many obscure place names of old, the clue to the nomenclature of the not entirely complimentary-sounding Paraffin Alley lies in the name. The passageway is said to take its name from an ironmonger’s shop that was once situated here. An area behind the premises was used to store paraffin, which gave the alley a faint odour in bygone days. However, the street sign was reportedly not installed until 2008, following a local campaign to recognise this offbeat slice of local history.
Where?
Paraffin Alley is located opposite the Royal Oak pub between St John’s Street and the Market Square.