During the Anglo-Saxon and Viking eras, it was at the heart of the commercial area of Jorvik.

[3] As a major open space in the city, it was popular site for public gatherings, it contained a ring for bull baiting, and was also the location where Thomas Percy, 7th Earl of Northumberland was executed.

By the 18th-century, the market was short of space, and sections of the road were widened: shops in front of St Crux were demolished in 1769, followed by the chancel and part of the churchyard of All Saints, in 1782.

In 1836, Parliament Street was laid out, leading to the demolition of many buildings on the north side of the street, St Crux was demolished in 1887, and then in 1912, Piccadilly was extended to reach Pavement on the south side, resulting in more demolitions.

The only historic building surviving on the north side is the parish room of St Crux Church, with the modern Marks and Spencer store dominating.