The street was constructed in 1366 as the main quay for the city, replacing various small timber wharves.

Several buildings on King's Staith survived the clearances and remain to this day, including Cumberland House and the Kings Arms Pub which, from early-17th century formed the water front end of First Water Lane.

[3] Pudding Holes, a public washing site, lay at the southern end of the street, just north of the walls of the York Franciscan Friary.

The street frequently floods, and the floodwater levels are marked inside the King's Arms pub.

[2][4] Media related to King's Staith at Wikimedia Commons This York location article is a stub.