Originally Bull Lane was called Hedleys Lane, after Thomas Hedley who was the owner of 143 High Street East in 1724.

It would appear that the name died out when the Hedleys died out.  Since at least 1766 it has been known as Bull Lane which connected High Street ( positioned between 143 and 145 High Street it came out between 85 and 86 Low Street. It has been said that it had taken its name from cattle being led down there from the Town Moor but this would be going away from the butchers markets on the High Street.

Bull Lane still exists today (2011) as does The Clarendon Public House which has the longest continuous licence in Sunderland , dating from 1753.