The name of this ward is derived from the Vintry, a part of the bank of the river Thames, where the merchants of Bourdeaux landed their wines, which they were obliged to sell within days after landing, until the of Edward I. when they were permitted to store them in cellars and vaults. This spot was at the south end of Cranes'-lane, so called from the cranes with which the wine was landed; and at the north-east corner of this lane in , opposite to , anciently stood a spacious and stately edifice, called the Vintry, from the stowing of wine there. In this magnificent fabric, Henry Picard, who had been lord mayor in , entertained the kings of England, Scotland, France, and Cyprus, with a sumptuous banquet, in the year .

This ward is bounded on the east by Wallbrook and Dowgate wards; on the north by Cordwainers'-ward; on the west by ward; and on the south by the river Thames. It is divided into the precincts of St. Martin, St. James, and St. Michael, royal, and is governed by an alderman, and common-council-men.

Before the great fire in , there were churches in this ward, viz. St. James, Garlick hithe; St. Michael, royal; St. Martin; Vintry; and ; the were rebuilt.

At the south-east corner of stands the parochial church of