10 and 11, Shambles

Numbers 10 and 11 Shambles are timber-framed buildings with pronounced overhangs on their upper floors, typical of medieval commercial structures in York. The buildings display traditional wooden frame construction with visible timber work and brick reinforcements added during later repairs.

The building was originally constructed in the 15th century as a single commercial house, and was divided into two separate tenements in the early 18th century. This division was achieved by adding a brick wall that reinforced the original timber structure.

The name Shambles comes from an old word for a meat market, and today the street remains lined with independent shops that continue its tradition as a place for trade. The narrow lanes and overhanging buildings create a setting that connects visitors directly to the medieval past.

The building sits directly on the Shambles, a narrow lane in central York that is easily reached on foot. The overhanging upper floors provide shelter from rain while walking, and the tight lane is best explored at a slow pace on foot.

The pronounced overhangs served not only to protect goods from rain but also allowed merchants to display their wares directly to the street below. This design maximized usable space at a time when land in the city center was valuable and scarce.