Category: Latest News

Time for – “Mystery Pictures 8 & 9”.

The solution to last weeks Picture Number 8 –

Mystery8

The steps at Micklegate Bar lead up onto the wall walk going towards Baker Tower and Lendal Bridge. Micklegate Bar was the most important of York’s four main medieval gateways and the focus for grand events. The name comes from ‘Micklelith’, meaning great street. It was the main entrance to the city for anyone arriving from the South. Many reigning monarchs have passed through this gate and by tradition they stop here to ask the Lord Mayor’s permission to enter the city, as did Queen Elizabeth II on 5th April 2012.

The lower section of the bar dates from the 12th century, the top two storeys from the 14th. The building was inhabited from 1196. Like the other main gates, Micklegate Bar originally had a barbican built on the front, but this was demolished in 1826.

Picture Number 9 :-

Mystery9

16th century Alice Bowman didn’t like this place !

The answer will be given here on our FaceBook page.

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Mike Laycock’s report, “Lost in York… Where’s the Minster?” (The Press, December 29), highlights the difficulty visitors to our beautiful city of York have in finding their way around. With budgets forever being squeezed, Visit York and the City of York Council will not be able to resolve this situation in the near future.

The Friends of York Walls plan to have Volunteer City Guides operating around the city centre offering friendly advice and directions to visitors.

We hope to have them in place for this summer season. We would like to make a plea for volunteers and sponsors for this service. If you think you can spare a couple of hours or so and have a good knowledge of the city’s attractions and places of interest please contact us. We would also appreciate sponsors for this service and to cover the set up costs.

Keith Myers,
Chairman, Friends of York Walls

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Happy New Year. Time for – “Mystery Pictures 7 & 8”.

The solution to Picture Number 7 –

Mystery7

Walmgate Bar was built during the 14th century, although the inner gateway dates from the 12th century. The Bar’s most notable feature is its barbican which is the only one surviving on a town gate in England. It also retains its portcullis and 15th century oak doors. On the inner side an Elizabethan house, supported by stone pillars, extends out over the gateway. The Bar has been repaired and restored many times over the years, most notably in 1648, following the 1644 Siege of York in the English Civil War when it was bombarded by cannon fire, and in 1840 after it had suffered years of neglect. It was also damaged in 1489 when, along with Fishergate Bar, it was burnt by rebels who were rioting over tax raises.

So now for Mystery Picture Number 8 :-

Mystery8

Another step up in the right direction !

The answer will be given here on our FaceBook page.

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Seasons Greetings to all our supporters.

The solution to Picture Number 6 –

Mystery6

Victoria Bar was opened in the walls in 1831 as a consequence of the increased population in Nunnery Lane. There is a wide round-headed central arch, two smaller side arches being added on the south side in 1864 and the south side in 1877. During its construction the remains of an earlier arched gateway 8 feet high and 6 feet wide were found. This had been blocked in haste. 12th century documents refer to it as `Lounelith’ gate (‘the hidden or obscure gate’). The associated street, Lounlithgate, ran past St Mary, Bishophill, to the river.

So now for Mystery Picture Number 7 :-

Mystery7

Another easy one, but a unique survivor in the UK !

The answer will be given here on our FaceBook page.

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