Initially a very narrow street, the eastern entrance to St Leonard's Hospital lay on its north-western side.

This led to the demolition of most of the existing buildings on what was then Minster Close, but some survive on the north-west side.

In 1806, it was sold to the freemasons, but the York Oratory, the city's main Catholic church, was built on the street in 1864.

The north-west side is dominated by the York Oratory, the city's main Catholic church, the other buildings being The Red House, built in 1714; the 18th-century Theatre House, with some 13th-century masonry in its basement; and the Dean Court Hotel.

On the south side lie the former York Dispensary; the Crown Buildings, originally the city's probate offices; and a Victorian Masonic Hall.