5 Stars just for the names.
Snickelways are a collection of small streets and footpaths in the city of York. You can traverse most of the city through these passagways ans alleyways.
They have weird and wonderful names. Whipmamwhopmagate being my favourite. Now a lecturer I was with told me it was to do with ladies of the nightOr it could refer to whipping of adulterers in the 16th/17th centuries.
The plaque on the wall claims the street name derieves from What a street, Historians are divided over the true origin of the name. Some believe the What a street derivation, others believe it is related to the annual (in medieval times) Whip Dog Day, while another group believe the public whipping post on nearby Pavement . However it is the longest name of maybe the shortest street.
York has many such paths, mostly mediaeval, though there are some modern paths as well. They have names like any other city street, often quirky names such as Mad Alice Lane, Alice was hung in 1823 for poisoning her husband - she pleaded insanity but to no avail. Some say Madam Alice Lane . . . . ! Alternatively 'Waiting Women's Lane'!
Hornpot Lane This was the street of the Hornworkers and their rubbish pits. Also known as Cut Throat Lane! A lot of empty mediaeval purses were found in mediaeval rubbish pits here and in Mad Alice Lane relics of mediaeval muggings!
The official shortest is Hole-in-the Wall (no not named after Butch Cassidys gang)
Name may mean:
A prison, where Hole in the Wall pub now is, in which prisoners had to beg for food through a hole in the wall; Or refers to punishment of immuring naughty monks, priests and nuns for sexual misdemeanours in the Middle Ages. It is said they were walled up in a tiny cell in the Minster prison near west door of cathedral.
The longest is Coffee Yard nearly 220 feet (67m) long.
Named after a late 17th century coffee house down here, the first one in York. But it was a printers area in 18th century, hence the 'Printer's Devil' (statue up on the wall) which may represent youngest apprentice in a printer's workshop, still called printer's devil!
The narrowest, Popes Head Alley, Pope's Head Alley only 2' 7 (840mm) wide.
Grape Lane was once GROPE C . . T! (fill in the naughty dots..ok it was a perfectly acceptable word once upon a time) Lane, the medieval red light district, much frequented by the lesser clergy. The mediaeval deanery main gate stood where Freshney's Hotel now stands looking right into it all! Here stood St Benet's Church, which owned many of the run down houses of ill repute in Grope Lane.
Finkle Street a crooked Street from Germanic 'Winkel' corner. Had a bend and narrowing on it to control passage of cattle, etc. out of St Sampson's Square (the market). It was also known as 'Mucky Pig Lane' as it led to Swinegate, the pig market. Or 'Mucky Peg Lane' after a dirty lady.
Search, exploresomeone wrote a guide which they probably sell in tourist info..anyway have fun..make up your own meanings. :0))) read more