The Shambles
The Shambles, an extremely narrow street in York, is one of the most famous streets in Britain and also one of the most incredibly well preserved medieval streets in the world. That is not a trick of the camera - the timber framed buildings, which date from the 14th & 15th century, actually lean out like that towards each other. The street was the home to all the butchers of medieval York and the buildings were constructed like that to add some protection for the shop windows on the main floors. No butchers remain on the street now but rather it is lined with shops catering to tourists. This was the least crowded that I saw it during my visit to York - it was normally really congested!
Wow, great photo and story.
ReplyDeleteQuite a slice of history!
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing street and the name is perfect.
ReplyDeleteyikes! gives a rather claustrophobic feel to things.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a delightful place to wander about and breathe in the history...thanks for the commentary. I would have guessed the buildings took to leaning due to the ravages of time. I mean, at my age, I tend to lean, too, just to keep balanced! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous, but I have to agree with TexWis Girl. It would make me feel more than somewhat claustrophobic.
ReplyDeleteK
What a name for a neighbourhood, but a tremendously appealing one!
ReplyDeleteInteresting series of photos. You're making me want to travel there!
ReplyDeleteYou always have something interesting to tell us about the places you've been to! ;-)
ReplyDeleteYou saw a lot in York, didn't you?
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful street to explore.
ReplyDeleteFantastic image Pat and quite a story..just amazes me the age of some of the buildings in England and Europe.
ReplyDeleteBeen looking forward to seeing your York photos RedPat. The Olympic Torch was carried up here last year, dread to think what the insurance premium was for that section of the journey!
ReplyDeleteThere are Shambles in other towns/cities too...though York's is the best known.
ReplyDeleteThat place did not come out to well on the worst place in Britain from what I read.
ReplyDeleteFound it interesting when I was there