Explore Spurriergate in York through 9 facts revealing its Roman roots, name origin, and modern pedestrian evolution.
Spurriergate aligns with a Roman road that ran near the Roman city walls and by the River Ouse. In the 12th and 13th centuries, it was considered part of Coney Street, sometimes being referred to as ‘Little Coney Street.’
The name “Spurriergate” first appeared in 1538, referencing the spur makers who lived there in the late 15th century. Their trade gave the street its unique name.
The street experienced many alterations, including widenings in 1770 and again in 1841, which made St Michael’s Church smaller. Buildings numbered 4-24 were likely removed, impacting former businesses like fishmongers. Today, fashion stores and coffee shops dominate the streetscape.
During World War II, a large air raid shelter was built under several buildings on Spurriergate. Some shelter parts still exist under numbers 12-16, while remodeling continued in the 1950s and 1960s.
In 1958, buildings near High Ousegate were bought and demolished, leading to a new row of shops. Initially leased by the corporation, these shops were sold in 1985.
A significant change occurred in 1987 with the creation of a pedestrian area. In 2005, the 1960s shops were rebuilt, creating a fresh retail space, and now houses locations for H&M and Zara.
The future also holds changes, with a Coney Street redesign planned. Owners envision a “quirky” hotel and café bar at number 2, next to Boots. The building that housed Beaverbrooks has also changed owners, who aim to revitalize it soon.