[1] The Merchant Taylors' Hall was built on the street in about 1415, and in the 17th- and early 18th-centuries, it was regarded as a desirable area, with several large houses constructed.

Their sites have been redeveloped with modern housing from the 1970s onwards, as part of an effort to encourage more people to live in the city centre.

York City Council now describe the street as "a pleasant place to live and surprisingly quiet during the day considering it is so close to the bustling city centre".

[1] Notable buildings on the north-east side include the Merchant Taylor's Hall and its associated cottage; and the side of St Anthony's Hall; 1-5 Aldwark, built in 1770; the Oliver Sheldon House, with 15th-century origins, but largely rebuilt in 1720; and the gate piers and wall of Saltmarsh House, built in 1693, although the house itself was demolished in 1848.

On the south-west side, notable buildings include the former tannery at 36 Aldwark.