Exploring 2,000 years of history in a single English city.
Parliament Street
Parliament Street was created in 1835-40 to link two ancient market places (St Sampson’s Square and Pavement) and to create a single large retail market area.
The creation of this new street involved the demolition of approximately 50 existing buildings. Its name refers to the Act of Parliament that was sought and obtained to enable the compulsory purchase of those properties and to authorise the associated works.
Image 1
Parliament Street lies at the heart of York's modern retail area. The double row of trees down the centre provides welcome shade in summer, adds visual interest in the winter and gives the whole street a boulevard-like atmosphere.
Image 2
Parliament Street still hosts occassional markets, as illustrated by this colourful photograph of a plant stall at one of the regular farmers' markets.
Image 3
However, the main market is usually hosted in Jubbergate and Newgate. The entrance to the former is just visible in the centre of this image. The 'pavement cafes' are a relatively recent introduction and they've added to the continental feel of this area.
Location Map
An interactive map showing the location of Parliament Street is available via the link below:
York Illustrated 
