Blossom Street
Originally known as Ploxwangate, from Ploughswaingate, meaning ‘the street of the man who repairs ploughs’. Ploxwan changed into Blossom in the 16th century
Coney Street
This street name has nothing to do with rabbits. Cuningstreta was its original Viking name, meaning King’s Highway, perhaps due to the fact that it may have been York’s first …
Aldwark
Aldwark is a street that gets its name from ‘Old earthwork’ or ‘old fortification’ and was so named because the Roman wall that surrounded York ran near here. Aldwark is …
Bootham
Although contested, Bootham may mean ‘at the booths’ and could refer to booths erected near Bootham Bar, which were used for a weekly market held by the monks of St …
Colliergate
The street was once the place where coal or charcoal was traded in medieval times. ‘Collier’ means coal miner.
Jubbergate
In the Viking era this street was known as Brettegate, meaning the street inhabited by the Britons. It is thought that these Celtic Britons were of Cumbrian origin and brought …
Peaseholme Green
This area was once a water meadow where peas were grown. The street name is derived from this use.
St Saviourgate
Named after St Saviour’s Church, which originally dated back to 1090. The street was originally called Ketmongergate, which means’ fish-sellers’ street.’
Stonegate
Means the stone-paved street. It follows the line of the Roman Via Praetoria, a street connecting the Roman Legionary Fortress with the River Ouse.
Goodramgate
The name Goodramgate is derived from a Viking called Guthrum (possibly the 9th century king of the Danish Vikings in the Danelaw.)
Lady Peckett’s Yard
Connecting Pavement and Fossgate, the snickelway is named after then wife of John Peckett, Lord Mayor of York in 1701. Essentially two lanes in one, their earlier names may have …
Holy Trinity, King’s Square
Known as Konungsgarthr or King’s Garth in the 10th century, some have suggested this small square was the site of the royal palace of the Kings of Deira, Northumbria and, …