york25 The Shambles The ancient street of the Butchers of York, mentioned in the Domesday Book of William the Conqueror. It takes its name from the word 'Shamel', meaning the stalls or benches on which the meat was displayed -- later versions of which can till be seen. It was rebuilt about 1400, when it assumed its present character. Please note the small pegs protruding from the beams. No nails, just wooden doles, were used in this construction.