Artworks to be installed across York celebrating snickelways

Plans approved by City of York Council is set to see 11 pieces installed in the city’s snickelways featuring images and information about lost churches, markets and medieval life.

York’s Business Improvement District’s (BID) plans stated they aimed to tell the story of people and animals who used the streets 1,000 years ago in an engaging and attractive way.

It comes as part of wider efforts to revitalise the city centre’s historic alleys, ginnels and snickets which are collectively known as snickelways.

Festoon lighting was installed in August last year to make them safer and more attractive as part of the Snickelways Rejuvination Project.

Pieces designed by Bright Light Ltd are set to be installed in Lunds Court, Finkle Street, Nether Hornpot Lane, Coffee Yard, Peter Lane, Le Kyrk Lane and Pope’s Head Alley.

Each one features text and images in a medieval style depicting aspects of life in York along with information explaining how snickelways were historically used.

A medieval boar is depicted on one planned in Finkle Street which was historically known as Mucky Pig Lane.

The street was used as a route for people and livestock travelling to the Thursday Market in St Sampson’s Square.

Another, entitled Myths of York, details the historic origins of the names of the city’s snickelways.

Others include images of cattle, brewing, mystery plays and lost churches.

The BID’s plans stated they hoped the artworks would make people more aware of the historic significance of the city’s snickelways.

Plans stated: “The art is themed on the lost city, it will tell the story of the people and animals who walked those same streets 1,000 years ago.

“The footprint of the city’s snickelways are unchanged since medieval times and they are a significant gateway to York’s rich history.”