Clifford Street was constructed in 1880-1 when the slums of the Water Lanes (leading from Castlegate to King's Staith on the Ouse) were removed. The previous way to the Castle and beyond had been the narrow Castlegate so as well as the removal of the slums it also allowed the introduction of a horse tram service from Fulford through to Nessgate and beyond.

It became the focus for new civic buildings including the police station, law courts, fire station, library and technical college, all of which, with the exception of the fire station, have since moved elsewhere.