Have you ever heard the saying that something is a “shambles”? It’s a common English phrase that means something is a mess, unorganized, or in total disorder. But where did the saying come from?
The word ‘shambles’ was historically used to describe a street filled with butcher shops and a slaughter house. One of the most famous examples of these streets is the Shambles in the historic city of York, England. As one of the best preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe, it’s a fascinating step back into the past. Its scenic setting is also said to have inspired the idea of Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter franchise.
What is a Shambles?
Around the early 15th century, the word “shambles” was used to describe a meat market. The meaning is believed to have originally derived from the word “Shammel” which was a table or stool that meat vendors would have used to display their products. By the 16th century, the term also came to represent an area with a slaughterhouse and the bloody, messy and disorganized places they often were.
It wasn’t until the early 20th century however that the phrase of something being in “shambles” or “shambolic” came into the popular dialect. Since then, it’s become a popular term for describing something as a mess or chaotic.
History of The Shambles in York, England
The Shambles is one of York’s most historic streets and is also one of the best preserved medieval streets in Europe. With its cobblestone lane and overhanging buildings, it’s easy to imagine you’ve stepped back in time. The Shambles in York dates back to the times of William the Conqueror, as it was first mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086. The street was rebuilt in the 14th century would have looked very much the same as it does today.
The Shambles in York was once both a slaughterhouse and meat market. Butcher shops would have lined the street and meat would have been hung outside the shop windows. If you look closely, you can still see some of the wooden shelving that would have been used to hang meat from.
One of the other interesting medieval features is the fact that the buildings are so close together. In fact, on some areas of the Shambles, you can touch the buildings on either side of the street at the same time! It’s said that the reason the buildings overhang was to protect the shop windows from direct sunlight, so that the meat wouldn’t spoil.
While walking down the Shambles, you’ll also notice the raised edges of the street. The Shambles was designed this way so that when the butchers cleaned out the blood and offal from the slaughterhouse, the blood, guts and whatever else, would have ran down the street away from the market. It certainly was a messy business!
Visiting the Shambles Today
Today, the Shambles is a lively street filled with shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants. It’s fascinating to walk down the cobble-stone lane with the historic buildings hanging overhead. I would also highly recommend stopping at Ye Old Shambles Tavern. It’s a great place to try local Yorkshire Ales and they also serve a variety of locally sourced food.
Key Information for Visiting the Shambles in York
1. How do you get to the Shambles in York?
The Shambles street is located in York’s city centre, just around the corner from the Shambles Market. It’s about a 7-minute walk from York Minster Cathedral and about a 3-minute walk from Barley Hall.
2. Is there a cost to visit the Shambles?
Nope! The Shambles is a public street that visitors are free to walk down.
3. Can you see the original medieval buildings?
Although none of the original medieval storefronts survive, many of the buildings date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. You can also still see some of the wooden shelves outside the buildings, that meat would have been hung from by the butchers.
4. How long does it take to visit the Shambles?
It only takes a few minutes to walk down the street, however you may want to leave more time for exploring the shops or having something to eat and drink.
5. What other historical things are there to do in York?
York is one of the most historical cities in the United Kingdom, which means that there are plenty of historical things to do and see. You can visit York Minster, one of England’s most impressive cathedrals. You can explore a medieval home at Barley Hall, or experience life as a Victorian at the York Castle Museum. For a further list of recommendations, check out 10 Historical Things to do in York, England.
This article’s information was last updated in November 2022.