The term ‘snickelway’ was popularised by local author Mark W. Jones in his 1983 book, A Walk Around the Snickelways of York, combining the words ‘snicket’, ‘ginnel’, and ‘alleyway’. Broadly classified as “a narrow place to walk along, leading from somewhere to somewhere else”, snickelways are a charmingly unique feature of our city.
Carr’s Lane
This beautiful, historic cut-through connects Skeldergate with Bishophill Senior, and is composed of a unique, well-preserved mix of stone paving and cobbles. Described as “the most magical of York alleys” by author George Pace in his book exploring the Bishophill area, Carr’s Lane is most notable today for its picturesque (although slightly obscured) views of local landmarks, including The Golden Ball pub and Bishophill Friends Burial Ground, the first Quaker burial ground in the city, which is accessible via nearby Cromwell Road. While it was closed in 1854, the Friends Burial Ground is now the site of a lovely urban park, complete with lime trees, flower beds, and historic walls.
Black Horse Passage
Linking present-day Stonebow to the Hungate district, Black Horse Passage is an ancient alleyway that was once used by travellers walking to a nearby soup kitchen, established in 1846 by Joseph Rowntree Senior. By the second half of the 19th century, Hungate had become a slum associated with crime, poverty, and prostitution, which was home to the city’s red light district. Today, little of the original alleyway remains, aside from some traces of the original brickwork. While its historic good looks have been blighted by litter and graffiti, Black Horse Passage remains a well-travelled cut-through that’s still used today.
Strakers Passage
Another notable passage that was once frequented by Victorian Yorkies on their way to the infamous Hungate red light district is Strakers Passage, a winding alleyway connecting Fossgate and Garden Place. Just like nearby Black Horse Passage, Strakers Passage is now adorned with graffiti, but one of its most endearing features is the presence of picturesque Hart’s Tongue ferns and other hardy plants, which grow naturally from its stone walls, providing a much-needed injection of greenery.
Le Kyrk Lane
Directly translating to ‘the Church Lane’, Le Kyrk Lane once led to St Peter the Little Church, along with Peter Lane and Pope’s Head Alley. Situated between Market Street and High Ousegate, the charming Le Kyrk Lane is one of seven snickelways included in the Snickelway Rejuvenation Project, launched by York BID, which aims to transform and rejuvenate the historic and unique spaces in our city.
Calling all photographers! We’re still after local photographers looking to submit their snickelway snaps for our new HIDDEN YORK feature. To submit pictures of York that will POP on a page, please email info@yourlocallink.co.uk today!
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