Kings Staith.

The main quay in York since medieval times. Until the building of the locks at Naburn in the mid 18th century the river was tidal past York and from the establishment of York by the Romans until the 14th century sea-going vessels arrived in York from the continent. During the 14th century the sea going vessels had become too big to traverse the river up to York and so stopped instead at Hull near the mouth of the Humber. York continued as a coastal port for a while but then became used by barges only. Even this stopped in the middle of the 20th century when coal stopped being an important household fuel and road links became a faster way of moving goods about.

On the left is Cumberland Street leading up to Clifford Street. Cumberland house is on the corner of King's Staith and Cumberland Street. The ramp, ahead on the left leads up to Friargate leading to Clifford Street. Ahead is South Esplanade leading to New Walk and Skeldergate Bridge.

York Within the Walls: King's Staith

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