This ward took its name from the street now called , which had anciently the name of Cordwainers'-street, from cordwainers, or shoemakers, curriers, and other workers in leather, residing in it. The name was afterwards changed to , when the shoemakers were replaced by hosiers; and these, in their turn, being superseded by other traders, the present name was taken from the church at its north end.

It is bounded on the east by Walbrook-ward, on the north by Cheap-ward; on the west by ward; and on the south by Vintry-ward.

This ward is divided into precincts, namely, St. Mary, Aldermary, upper and lower; Allhallows, ; ; St. Antholin, upper and lower; ; St. Bennet, Sherehog, and St. John; St. Thomas the Apostle, and Trinity. It is under the government of an alderman, and sends inhabitants to the court of common council.