Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, one of the smallest streets in York, England, UK
Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate is a very short street in York's historic center that connects Colliergate with Pavement and Fossgate. The narrow alley is lined with tall stone buildings featuring small windows and displays typical features of medieval urban structure with tightly packed buildings.
The street was first recorded in 1505 as Whitnourwhatnourgate and later became known as Whitney Whatneygate. Around 1750 it was widened when houses near St Crux church were demolished, and in 1984 it was paved with York stone.
The street name likely stems from medieval jokes or teasing and has remained embedded in local memory. Visitors often pause to photograph the sign or practice pronouncing the name, making it a playful part of York's historic character.
The street is freely accessible and can be visited anytime during the day or night with no admission fees. It is best explored as part of a walk through the city center, combining it with nearby Shambles and other medieval alleyways.
A novel by York writer Martyn Clayton takes the street's name as its title, showing how this place captures the imagination of locals and visitors alike. The unusual name has made it one of the most memorable streets in York's network.
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