Ginnel

A ginnel is a narrow passageway between or behind buildings that provides pedestrian access, typically found in urban areas. It is usually bounded by high brick or stone walls and can be only a few feet wide, sometimes functioning as a short, alley-like route between streets, yards, or courtyards. Many ginnels are partially or fully covered by upper-storey facades, giving them a tunnel-like feel.

Geography and usage: The term is widely used in Northern England, with strong associations to cities such as Leeds, Sheffield, Hull, York, and Manchester. In other parts of the country, similar spaces may be called alleys, wynds, or snickets, depending on local dialect. Ginnels often serve as shortcuts for pedestrians, as well as access routes to backyards, workshops, or storage areas. They may be public rights of way or privately maintained by adjacent properties.

Etymology: The origin of the word ginnel is uncertain. It is a regional Northern English term with variants such as gennel. The wider etymological connections are debated, and the spelling and usage have evolved over time in dialectal English. There is no single definitive derivation.

Historical and architectural context: Ginnels arose with medieval and early modern urban development when houses were built close together, creating back passages for maintenance, waste removal, or service access. Some persist as historic features of a city’s fabric, while others have been altered, closed, or integrated into modern properties. Their appearance can range from simple gaps between walls to more ornate narrow corridors with steps, railings, or layered brickwork.

See also: alley, lane, passage, wynd, snicket.