[3] Archaeological finds in 1985–1986 included traces of 8th–9th century timber buildings, and metals, bone and leather representative of the industrial activity in the area.

[4] The area remained occupied in the Jorvik period, during which the old Roman road became known as "Fiscergate", the street of the fishers.

[5] In the 14th century, the York city walls were constructed immediately north of the northernmost part of the street, probably over an existing earth rampart, with Fishergate Bar rebuilt in stone.

Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the land was probably used as an orchard, and mediaeval settlement soon disappeared, possibly due to destruction during the Siege of York in 1644.

It turns south and continues until it becomes Fulford Road, at its junction with New Walk Terrace and Grange Garth.

Notable buildings on the east side street include part of the city walls; The Edinburgh Arms pub, built as a house in 1830;[6] 29 Fishergate, a late 18th-century building which served for a time as the Nunnery of the Sisters of St Vincent;[7] the early-19th century Ivy Cottage;[8] and Fishergate County Primary School, built in 1893 by W. H.