The Shambles in York is a medieval street of timber-framed, overhanging houses, historically home to the city’s butchers and now one of Europe’s best‑preserved historic shopping streets and major tourist draws. Its narrow, cobbled lane, raised pavements, and surviving meat “shelves”.
The street is recorded in the Domesday Book and has existed in some form for over 900 years, with much surviving fabric from around 1350–1475.Its name comes from “The Great Flesh Shambles”, related to Old English fleshammels meaning meat shelves, reflecting its role as York’s principal butchery street; there were still 31 butchers here in 1885.
Interestingly the street was designed for its purpose. It was deliberately narrow to keep meat out of direct sun, with animals slaughtered and sold fresh each morning before refrigeration.
 
Interesting facts...
Margaret (St Margaret) Clitherow, a recusant Catholic married to a Protestant butcher, lived on the Shambles and allegedly hid outlawed priests in her home during Elizabeth I’s reign.When discovered, she was pressed to death on Ouse Bridge in 1586, and today a small shrine further along the street commemorates her martyrdom and the clandestine worship that once took place here.
Also keep a look out for the meat hooks on the facades?