The Shop That Must Not Be Named

There is a medieval street in York called the Shambles. It was once the street that housed all of the butchers. If you look at the pictures below, you can see a skinny street, narrow and a bit lower than the walkways on either side. This road was created in the 14th century and the channel in the middle of the street was where the butchers would toss out the blood and guts of the animals. Butcher streets were almost always called Shambles back then and they were always a grizzly mess - stinky and thick with flies and whatnot. This is where we get the phrase, 'this place is a shambles!'

The Shambles, York

The Shambles across the UK are much cleaner these days and tend to be quirky affairs, full of boutique shops that are a far cry from the one-time blood bath of yore. The York Shambles are particularly quaint, with Tudor-era building leaning left, right, and bowing into the road. In fact, JK Rowling has said in interviews that Diagon Alley was inspired by the Shambles in York. 

The Shambles, York

So it should come as no surprise that enterprising young shop owners have opened a Harry Potter-themed shop in one of the retail spaces in the York Shambles. I heard about it while volunteering at the minster one day last Spring. It had only opened that week, so I knew I had to go take a look. 

The Shop that Must not be Named

The shop is tiny, but stuffed with licensed WB Harry Potter products. I couldn't help myself and picked up an Oyster card (London underground pass) and train ticket holder...

My new Oyster card holder

and a tiny espresso mug.

Expecto Espresso!

Once word got out in the town and visitors center, The Shop That Must Not Be Named became a HUGE successes. And by huge, I mean, there are long queues during the summer and school break just to get in the shop to look around. But don't let that deter you… if you're a Harry Potter fan and find yourself in York, head over to The Shop That Must Not Be Named!