Goodramgate

Goodramgate was in Viking times the street belonging to or inhabited by a Viking called Gurthrum, and may refer to the Viking king Guthrum who ruled from York in the 9th century. Goodramgate’s main features are the church of Holy Trinity and a row of medieval cottages called Lady Row.

Lady Row is a row of timber -framed cottages near the Holy Trinity arch and date from the 1320s when they were built for chantry priests. The cottages are notable for their overhangs where the upper floors project into the street beyond the lower floors. This overhang feature is thought to be the oldest example in England. In Bedern Lane just off Goodramgate there is a ruined Bedern Chapel dating from the 14th century.

The church of Holy Trinity, which stands back from the street was first mentioned in the 11th century, but the present building dates from 1250-1500. It can be reached via an 18th century brick archway. Inside the church is a chapel that was once blocked off from the rest of the church so it could be used by lepers where a squint hole in the wall enabled them to see the altar and take part in the service.