The area covered by the street was part of the civilian settlement associated with Roman Eboracum.

An increasing number of the Micklegate plots were divided, with new houses constructed on the street.

[2] By the late Middle Ages, the street was associated with tanners, and in 1524 it was recorded as "Barker Rawe".

In 1700, Lady Hewley's Almshouses were built on the street, surviving until they were demolished for the construction of the city's first railway station.

Station Rise leads off the north-west side of the road, as does the short Tanner Street.