Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, York
Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate is a notable street in York famed for its brief span and distinctive name. Originating from Colliergate, this street extends approximately 80 feet south to intersect with Pavement, Fossgate, and the Stonebow. On its eastern side, it is bordered by Saviourgate. The street also lies adjacent to the historic Saint Crux Parish Hall, which once served as one of York's medieval churches.
The unusual name "Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate" was first documented in 1505 as Whitnourwhatnourgate and has undergone various transformations, such as Whitney Whatneygate. The name humorously means "neither-one-thing-nor-the-other street," though a plaque suggests it could be interpreted as "what a street!" Historical records from the 17th and 18th centuries refer to it alternatively as Salvey Rents or Salvegate.
The street was notably widened in the 1750s following the demolition of houses built against Saint Crux Church, which itself was dismantled in 1887. Elements of this church, including a Perpendicular window and several monuments, are preserved in the remaining structure of the Saint Crux Parish Room. Part of the church鈥檚 north wall is integrated into the structure of No. 23 Shambles, adjacent to Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate.
In 1984, the alley was repaved with York stone, financed by York Civic Trust, maintaining the essence of a typical narrow York street. However, the character of the area changed significantly with the construction of Stonebow in the 1950s. Historical maps, such as the 1850 Ordnance Survey, illustrate the tight network of narrow streets converging near the former site of Saint Crux Church, with Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate too minor to be named separately at that time.
The street also serves as the setting for the novel "Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma" by local York author Martyn Clayton, underscoring its cultural and historical significance within the city.
The unusual name "Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate" was first documented in 1505 as Whitnourwhatnourgate and has undergone various transformations, such as Whitney Whatneygate. The name humorously means "neither-one-thing-nor-the-other street," though a plaque suggests it could be interpreted as "what a street!" Historical records from the 17th and 18th centuries refer to it alternatively as Salvey Rents or Salvegate.
The street was notably widened in the 1750s following the demolition of houses built against Saint Crux Church, which itself was dismantled in 1887. Elements of this church, including a Perpendicular window and several monuments, are preserved in the remaining structure of the Saint Crux Parish Room. Part of the church鈥檚 north wall is integrated into the structure of No. 23 Shambles, adjacent to Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate.
In 1984, the alley was repaved with York stone, financed by York Civic Trust, maintaining the essence of a typical narrow York street. However, the character of the area changed significantly with the construction of Stonebow in the 1950s. Historical maps, such as the 1850 Ordnance Survey, illustrate the tight network of narrow streets converging near the former site of Saint Crux Church, with Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate too minor to be named separately at that time.
The street also serves as the setting for the novel "Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma" by local York author Martyn Clayton, underscoring its cultural and historical significance within the city.
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Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate on Map
Sight Name: Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate
Sight Location: York, England (See walking tours in York)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: York, England (See walking tours in York)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in York, England
Create Your Own Walk in York
Creating your own self-guided walk in York is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
York's Historical Pubs Tour
Yorkshire is a haven for real ale enthusiasts and York does live up to this reputation. Many of local pubs are as old as churches, having served their clients for centuries.
There's a plethora of historic pubs in the heart of York, offering an array of quality cask ales alongside a menu of hearty British food, served in a cozy, traditional atmosphere. Low ceilings, wonky floors and open... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
There's a plethora of historic pubs in the heart of York, offering an array of quality cask ales alongside a menu of hearty British food, served in a cozy, traditional atmosphere. Low ceilings, wonky floors and open... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
York's Historical Architecture
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
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The maze of historic streets 鈥� too narrow for vehicles, and therefore solely pedestrian 鈥� are packed with attractions fairly close to one... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
The maze of historic streets 鈥� too narrow for vehicles, and therefore solely pedestrian 鈥� are packed with attractions fairly close to one... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
York Introduction Walking Tour
Established by the ancient Romans in 71 AD, the city of York breathes history. It first appeared as a walled settlement when the Ninth Legion of Rome conquered the local tribe known as the Brigantes. The town became the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior, and later of the kingdoms of Deira, Northumbria and J贸rv铆k, emerging as a major river port and part of the extensive trading... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
York City Wall Tour
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
The surviving portion of the town wall 鈥� 3.4km (2 miles) 鈥� is longer than anywhere else in England. Built mostly in the 13th century (of magnesian limestone, and set upon earthen... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles