Around 1409, the Kromme Elleboogstraat was the only road that led to the entrance gate of the church of Sint-Michiel (1400) located on the grounds of the abbey of Sint-Michiel. The street got its name from the original shap that was rather crooked and thus looked like an elbow. The current line direction dates from the 15th century when the houses on the southside were built on the grounds of the abbey. On the other side of the abbey were houses with low gates and small stepped gables. Two of these houses can be seen opposite The Big Sleep. They are examples of typical Antwerphousing from around 1550 (see picture). Around 1850 the Kromme Elleboog consisted of 17 houses. On the side of The Big Sleep these were mainly warehouses, on the other side family homes. The house in which The Big Sleep is located dates back to 1904 and still has many original details.