In the 17th-century land register (Erbbuch), the properties on this street bore the name "Niedergasse" (Lower Lane) together with the adjoining properties on Faulgraben (Foul Ditch). The designation "Jakobsneugasse" (New St. James Lane) can be traced on maps only from 1763 onward. It actually means "street to the new St. James Gate." The latter was erected in 1635 at the site where the State Archives buildings stand today, after the old St. James Gate — which closed off Schüsseldamm at the level of the street Am Jakobstor — had been blocked by the construction of St. James Bastion. The street name is therefore likely considerably older, reaching back into the 17th century.

In the land register of 1624, the properties on this street, along with those on Faulgraben, were called "Niedergasse." After the construction of St. James Bastion, this street together with Am Jakobstor was referred to as the "new street to the Holy Body Gate." From 1664, when this gate too was incorporated into the bastion of the same name, it was called "Neue Sankt Jakobsgasse" (New St. James Lane). On a map from 1763 it appears as "Neue Gasse" (New Lane), and from 1820 as Jakobsneugasse.

After the war, the street initially continued under the name ul. Swietego Jakuba (St. James Lane). Between 1960 and 1966 it was built over. Today, only a narrow passageway ending at the music school remains as a reminder.

History