Throughout the streets of York, buildings are decorated with unusual gargoyles and figureheads. Some, like the ship's figurehead on a York teashop in Stonegate may have hinted at the tea trade of the owners. The carving of Minerva on Petergate was a symbol of music and drama.
The Little Devil
The fiery little horned imp on the corner of 33 Stonegate was not a sign of evil doings on the premises but was an indication of a print shop. Traditionally, the printer's apprentice and assistant, who ran around the shop carrying hot metal type, was known as "The Printer's Devil." The lever used to apply pressure to a printing press was also called that because it sometimes snapped back dangerously, sending the printer and his apprentice across the room - or worse.Because of its ancient buildings and their interesting gargoyles and details, Stonegate is one of York's most photographed streets.