SHAMBLES

Victorian children in the Shambles

(Photograph of an enlargement in a York Station Waiting Room – original photographer undeclared)

This historic street is the only one specifically mentioned in the Domesday Book. The word Shambles is believed to have originated from the Anglo-Saxon word Fleshammels meaning flesh-selves. It therefore comes as no surprise to learn that in 1270 the Shambles were home to seventeen butchers. In 1895 this had increased to thirty-one butchers.

However infamous in status, this street remains tiny and cramped. I can’t imagine what it would have been like with thirty-one butchers and no modern means of refrigeration. As a vegetarian, I can’t imagine it would have been very nice.