Stonegate, York UK
Welcome to our guide to Stonegate, York. Here you can find information, history and a guide to the best places and things to see and do.
About Stonegate
Stonegate has been a highway for almost 2000 years. The street started its life as the Via Praetoria which was the busiest and most important road inside the Roman fortress, linking the main entrance gate ( where St Helens Square is today) with the legionary headquarters building ( where the Minster is today).
During the Viking and Norman periods it is likely that the wealthy and well connected lived on this street because of its proximity to the Minster.
In the medieval period it was here that many glass painters lived. With 40 parish churches and the Minster in York, as well as churches in towns and villages nearby, their skills were in big demand. The glass painter’s church was St Helens which is situated in the square at the end of Stonegate.
Many of the medieval buildings are still in the street today including the fantastic Mulberry Hall built in 1434.
A number of new buildings were erected in the Georgian period and the street then took on an air of elegance as the wives of wealthy landowners came to spend their money in the shops that were filled with fashions from London and Paris, whilst the men frequented the numerous coffee houses. It was at this time that the advertising board for Ye Olde Starre Inn was erected to straddle the street. Apparently the landlord at the time feared he would lose trade when a Georgian building was built in front of the pub, thereby obscuring it from the street.
Today, traffic free Stonegate bustles with activity as shoppers and visitors marvel at the gift shops, antique centres, restaurants, tea rooms, jewellers and many more, located in a hotch potch of buildings spanning 600 years of history. Add to this a variety of street entertainers who frequently perform here and you have a truly wonderful experience. As you saunter along, look out for TheRed Devil, the Golden Bible, the remains of a Norman House and a reference to the infamous Guy Fawkes.
If you want to hear some of the stories behind these and about the ghosts that haunt Ye Olde Starre Inn why not book one of York’s guided walking tours.
(Above text written by Keith Greenwood, tour guide with Exploring York.)
Attractions, Shops, Cafes, Restaurants & Other Businesses Located Here
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