The Cockpit Pub

A pub has stood on this site, the junction of Ireland Yard and St Andrew's Hill, since the 16th century. The Cockpit takes its name from the fact that it used to be a major venue for gambling during cock fights, which was stopped in 1849.
 
Of the few London locations associated with William Shakespeare, Ireland Yard is by far the best documented, now just a small alley, in Shakespeare's day it was the main entrance to Blackfriars monastery. The monastery buildings had been seized and sold off during the dissolution but they were mostly left intact. The former gatehouse was purchased by Shakespeare in 1613 for the sum of £140, thought to be in partnership with fellow actors as a second theatre. The exact location of the gatehouse has been lost, the only remaining reference being Ireland Yard.

Dickens might have known this pub too but I can't find a reference to substantiate that.
 

My train was cancelled this morning and my train delayed by signalling problems this evening. The evening delays eat into my free time and its always those days when I have lots of things to do.