Year: 2013

The solution to last weeks Picture Number 9 –

Monk Bar, the largest and most ornate of the bars, dates from the early 14th century. It was a self-contained fortress, with each floor capable of being defended. On the front of the bar is an arch supporting a gallery, including ‘murder-holes’ through which missiles and boiling water could be rained down upon attackers. Monk Bar has the city’s only working portcullis, in use until 1970. Like the other main gateways, Monk Bar originally had a barbican on the front but this was demolished in 1825.

The rooms above the gateway have had various uses over the years. The Bar once contained Little Ease prison, which once housed Alice Bowman in what was a tiny prison cell, measuring just 1.6 metres across. Bowman was imprisoned for her Catholic beliefs during Queen Elizabeth’s reign.

Picture Number 10 :-

I am just a number – but where am I ?

The answer will be given here on our FaceBook page.

Time for – “Mystery Pictures 8 & 9”.

The solution to last weeks Picture Number 8 –

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 :-

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

The answer will be given here on our FaceBook page.