Underneath the Guildhall there is a medieval tunnel running from Coney Street down to the river. This was one of three ‘water lanes’ along the street, and is the only one which survives today.
The lanes were used to transport people and goods to and from boats, as well as water and household waste. The lane may follow the course of a Roman road, as the original Roman bridge over the river was very near this spot.
Common Hall Lane takes its name from the ‘Common Hall’ or Guildhall of the city. In 1231 the Mayor and citizens of York purchased a large merchant’s house on this site for use in civic ceremonies and as a courtroom. Some of the stonework from that original twelfth-century house has recently been discovered in the walls of Common Hall Lane.
Near ground level on the right-hand side of the west frontage of the present Guildhall, the very top of the medieval entrance arch to the Common Hall Lane can still be seen. The public right-of-way which led from the street to this arch was closed in 1868 when the Post Office was built over it. Although the lane can still be accessed, this is now by special appointment only.
