Wood Street was originally the main north–south route through the Roman Fort, discovered after Second World War bombing.
The north gate of the Roman fort became Cripplegate, the south gate of the fort was just south of the junction with Love Lane. Wood Street diverts slightly to the east suggesting that the gate was there and the Roman fort wall had to be knocked through to allow Wood Street to continue.
It has been suggested that it was an early road after the so-called Alfredian restoration of the City around 886 AD. The road led from the main port at Queenhithe (Bread Street) to the main market street at Cheapside and then on north to Cripplegate and out of London to the north.
Wood Street is the location of the headquarters of the City of London Police.
