You really can’t visit York and not go to the Shambles. I’m sure there must be a law against it somewhere! I wanted to impress you with my knowledge of the history of the Shambles, but what follows is courtesy of the Earl Grey Tearooms, so I blame them for any inaccuracies :-

The Shambles is the same street that is listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. Some of the houses have changed little since the 15th century. In 1280 there were 17 butchers in the Shambles, by 1896 there were 31, now none are left. Evidence of their occupancy lives on in the wide window ledges at the front of the shops, called “shamnels” upon which butchers would display their wares and gave the Shambles it’s name. The east/west line of the street and overhanging buildings meant that the meat would be in the shade most of the day. The Shambles also has a tradition for hospitality – at one time there were four public houses, the last one closing in 1936.

Now the Shambles is home to a collection of quirky, unique shops which just beg you to go inside and explore. Be warned, the York Ghost Merchants is VERY popular. When we visited the queue to go in was an hour long! We didn’t wait, but I’m sure it was worth it judging by the people who were coming out, clutching their purchases.

If you’re getting peckish the sausage and pie shop is worth a visit, their pork pies are sublime.

I peered in the window of Monk Bar Chocolatiers, I couldn’t resist the melted chocolate shot, I really tried but it won. Definitely worth it.

Kids young and old will be delighted by the many Harry Potter themed shops, the Potions Cauldron and the Shop That Must Not be Named to name two. Oops, I named one of them!

I love a good market and the Shambles market is definitely a good market. It’s full of local, artisan traders from artists to speciality gin producers and well worth browsing round. I was very happy with a leather bag that I bought there.

Next time: The National Railway museum.

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