Medieval-inspired art planned for city's snickelways

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

Art showcasing York's medieval history could be installed in the city's snickelways as part of wider efforts to revive them.

Plans lodged with City of York Council suggest creating 11 pieces themed around lost churches, markets and life in the city.

If approved, they would be displayed in seven of its snickelways - the city's network of narrow passageways - to boost footfall.

York BID commissioned the project to tell the stories of the people and animals who used the paths over the last 1,000 years.

The Snickelways Rejuvenation Project has already seen the BID install festoon lighting along the passageways to improve safety and make them more attractive.

The art is earmarked for Nether Hornpot Lane, Finkle Street, Coffee Yard, Lunds Court, Le Kyrk Alley, Pope's Head Alley and Peter Lane.

An impression of artwork featuring cattle in Nether Hornpot Lane proposed as part of plans for artworks themed around York's medieval snickelways

The pieces, designed by Bright White Ltd, would feature images and text explaining an aspect of the history of the snickelways, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The one on Finkel Street would be of a medieval boar as the passageway - historically known as Mucky Pig Lane - was used to take hundreds of the animals to the Thursday market in St Sampson's Square.

Other works include images of cattle and figures from the stained glass windows of churches.

York BID, working in partnership with York Civic Trust and the University of York, said the aim was to increase awareness of the city's history and help boost business.

Its plan added: "We hope the artwork will... capture people's imagination."

The council has not set a date to consider the proposals.

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