The Shambles

Now whenever my house or work is called a shambles I have photographic evidence to prove that they are not alike!

Now, this is a gorgeous little street that looks like something out of a Harry Potter novel (and it definitely plays on this tourist trade). Peter, our guide, explained how it got its name. Once there were butchers shops and there were big meat hooks outside, they were called ammels. They would then hang the meat or flesh on them. Flesh-ammels over time changed to shambles. As all of this was outdoors, the flesh would rot, smell, and attract pests. This is how “shambles” came to mean what it does today.Read more