E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Paternoster Row (London)
was so named from the rosary or paternoster makers. We read of “one Robert Nikke, a paternoster maker and citizen, in the reign of Henry IV.” Some say it was so called because funeral processions on their way to St. Paul’s began their pater noster at the beginning of the Row, and went on repeating it till they reached the church-gate.
