This is the oldest street in York, and one of the most visited streets in Britain.
The street dates back to at least 1086 as it is mentioned in the Domesday Book. The oldest buldings
now in existence on the street are thought to date back to the 15th century.
The street was once a centre for the slaughtering and butchering of animals and sale of meat. The
pavements were raised to allow blood and offal from the butchering process to flow down the centre of
the street on the two days a week when the butchers were permitted to wash away their waste.
I imagine that the smell and sights in this narrow street, particularly in the height of the summer, must have been very unpleasant indeed!