The String of Pearls: Sweeney Todd - Facts

 

The story is set in 1785. The authors of this story are James Malcolm Rymer and Thomas Pecket Prest. 

James Malcolm Rymer (1814–1884) was a British 19th-century writer of penny dreadfuls, and is the probable co-author with Thomas Peckett Prest of both Varney the Vampire (1847) and The String of Pearls (1847), in which the notorious villain Sweeney Todd makes his literary debut.

Thomas Peckett (or Preskett) Prest (probable dates 1810–1859) was a British hack author. He was a prolific producer of penny dreadfuls and was known as a skilled author in the horror genre.

Sweeney Todd has his barber shop in Fleet Street. Fleet Street, located in the City of London, is a historic thoroughfare famously known as the former, century-long heart of the British press and printing industry.

There are other places which are mentioned like Temple Bar and Bell Yard. 

Temple Bar was the principal ceremonial entrance to the City of London from the City of Westminster. 

Bell Yard is a historic alleyway located off Fleet Street, known for its association with the legal profession. In the 16th century, the area was home to numerous bell founders, who cast bells for churches and cathedrals. 

Mr Oakley's cousin, Big Ben, is a beefeater. The Yeomen Warders of His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, and Members of the Sovereign's Body Guard of the Yeoman Guard Extraordinary, popularly known as the Beefeaters, are ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London. In principle they are the palace guard, responsible for looking after any prisoners in the Tower, and safeguarding the British crown jewels. 

St Dunstan's Church is where the stench of the meat wafted into. The Guild Church of St Dunstan-in-the-West is in Fleet Street in the City of London. It is dedicated to Dunstan, Bishop of London and Archbishop of Canterbury.