'Snickelway trail' celebrates York's quirky alleys

The art trail is part of a snickelway rejuvenation project in York

A medieval-inspired art trail has launched to celebrate York's historic snickelways and raise awareness of their heritage.

Wayfinding panels have been installed in seven of the city's ginnels and alleyways - locally known as snickelways - which tell stories of lost churches, marketplaces and craftspeople.

The passageways, which many visitors do not realise exist, have also been deep cleaned and had new lighting fitted.

York Business Improvement District (BID) said it hoped the project would make the area "more inviting" for residents and tourists.

The artwork, created by local design studio Bright White, can be found in Coffee Yard, Finkle Street, Lunds Court, Nether Hornpot Lane, Peter Lane, Le Kyrk Lane, and Popes Head Alley.

Rachel Bean, project manager at York BID, said: "The snickelways are a wonderful part of York's character.

"Through lighting, cleaning, and now public art, we've been able to make these spaces safer and more welcoming while celebrating their rich history.

"The new trail uncovers stories of hidden communities that shaped York, helping people see these streets with fresh eyes."

Finkle Street has a picture of a boar to reflect its history as "Mucky Pig Lane"

The scheme was launched in partnership with York Civic Trust and the University of York, and funded by grants.

Kate Giles, lecturer at the University of York, said: "The networks of small streets we know today as 'snickelways' have their origins in alleyways used from the Middle Ages onwards as shortcuts between houses, markets and churchyards across the city.

"This project helps us reconnect with this hidden everyday heritage and rediscover how people lived, worked and worshipped in medieval York."

Maps and tours of the snickelways estimate that there are 48 of them in York.

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