The Shambles York

The Shambles, York

History | Punch Bowl | Shops | Access | Museums in York

The Shambles district of York dates back to a 14th century meat market in the area and is known for its picturesque narrow streets and overhanging timber-framed buildings.

August crowds

The Shambles in York was voted “Britain’s Most Picturesque Street 2010” in a contest sponsored by the internet search giant Google.

History

Of historic interest in the Shambles area is the home of Margaret Clitherow, arrested in 1586 for harbouring Catholic priests and allowing the Mass to be performed on her property.

The unfortunate Margaret was duly condemned to death by the authorities of the day by pressing with a heavy stone for her “religious crimes”.

Punch Bowl

The Punch Bowl pub is an historic drinking venue near the Shambles area dating from the 18th century. This pub has stood at the corner of Blossom Street and Nunnery Lane since 1770. Ye Old Shambles Tavern is also another pub right on the street itself.

Overhanging timber-framed buildings

Shops

Shops on the street nowadays include tearooms, eateries, accessory stores and also Monk Bar Chocolatiers, producing some of York’s famous chocolate.

Street sign

Access – Getting There

The area is a reasonably short walk from York Station, the National Railway Museum, and York Minster.

The present street layout dates from around 1400

Nearby

Other places of interest in York include Guy Fawkes birthplace (now the Guy Fawkes Inn), Monk’s Bar, the National Railway Museum, and the city walls. In addition visit the Roman column at York Minster, Jorvik Viking Centre, and Cliffords Tower.

The street is mentioned in the Domesday Book and takes it name from the “shamel” or stalls used to display meat

Accommodation in York

Places to stay in York include the four-star Gray’s Court Hotel, the four-star Dean Court Hotel, the four-star Hilton York, and the four-star Holiday Inn York City Centre. The Principal York close to York Station is a five-star property.

See a complete list of places to stay in York from luxury hotels to budget hostels and guest houses.