[3] In the Roman period, the south-eastern gate of Eboracum lay on the site of what is now King's Square.

By 1430, the west side of the square was occupied by a row of mercer's shops, with a building named "Hellekeld" to their south.

[6] Until the 18th-century, the square covered only a small area, and was often regarded as the southernmost part of Low Petergate, immediately north of the churchyard of Holy Trinity Church.

From its northern point, Low Petergate leads north-west, Church Street to the south-west, and Goodramgate to the north-east.

From its south-western point, beside the Grade II listed St Trinity House, Newgate leads west, and The Shambles to the south.