The early name for the street was Seynt Maregate (Latin: Via Beatae Mariae),[1] taking its name from St Mary's Church which is at the southern end.

In the late Middle Ages the street housed workshops for the production of Nottingham alabaster.

The street housed the old Theatre Royal which was built in 1760 on the site of an older establishment.

In 1880 the owner of the Royal Alhambra Music Hall, John Betts Wigley was charged with assaulting and beating a comedian William White.

[5] The Music Hall closed in 1883 when the Nottingham Magistrates’ refused a theatrical licence.