Its alignment was altered in the Viking period, when the Ouse was bridged in a new location, and it has remained unaltered since.

The same street is beset with proper houses having gardens and orchards planted on either hand and behind them fields".

The Butter Market, which was located in front of St Martin's Church, was set the prices for the entire north of England, although it went into decline and was demolished early in the 19th century.

[5][better source needed] The Georgian period saw many wealthy citizens of the region build large houses on the street, particularly its middle and upper sections, while many other properties were given new facades, in contemporary styles.

[2][3][5] The street remained the main access to the city from the south until the modern era.

However, since the Victorian period, the street has been a less prestigious address, and the back gardens of many houses were built over and used for industry.

George Hudson Street was created in 1877, linking Micklegate with York railway station, and this now forms the main southern for traffic into York city centre, along with the eastern stretch of Micklegate, the remainder of the street seeing relatively little traffic.

The medieval St John's Church, on the north side of the street, is a Grade II* listed building.

[5] The street became famous for its pubs and clubs, being known as "The Micklegate Run" by many drinkers and club-goers in the late 20th century.