College Green (York)

College Green is an open space in the city centre of York, England.

History

The green lies within the historic precinct of York Minster. As "Vicars' Lane", it was in existence by the late Mediaeval period, named as it led from York Minster towards the College of Vicars Choral on Bedern. In the 18th-century, it was known as "Little Alice Lane", after someone who lived in the area, then from about 1800 it became known as College Street, for St William's College.^[1]

The church of St Mary ad Valvas lay on the south-west side of the street until 1362, when it was demolished in order to build the

South of the Minster, the south-west side was built up with houses. Two were demolished in 1862, and College Green was created. The remainder were demolished between 1905 and 1937 in order to enlarge College Green. In 1955 the road was realigned a little further south-west and the green was enlarged,[1] while a sundial originally from Drakelow Hall was erected on the green.^[3]

The green is regularly used as a location for the York Mystery Plays,^[4] and it has also been used as outdoor seating for local hospitality businesses.^[5]

Layout and architecture

College Street runs south-east from Minster Yard, near its junction with Chapter House Street, to a junction with Goodramgate and Deangate. College Green runs along its south-west side. The Queen's Path runs from the south-west side of the street around the south-east side of the Minster.^[1]

Notable buildings on the north-east side of the street include 2 College Street, with parts dating back to the 13th-century;