The Old Baille
York was one of the few cities in England that had two castles. The first was Clifford’s Tower. The second – the Old Baille – was smaller than the tower …
Red Tower
The Red Tower was built in 1490 by order of Henry VII. Controversially, the job of building it was given to bricklayers rather than the stonemasons, who resented this arrangement. …
King’s Manor
Currently leased to the University of York, King’s Manor was built in 1270 as a residence for the Abbot of St Mary’s abbey. Some of the original stonework remains, but …
Monk Bar
Dating from the 14th century, this is the tallest and strongest of the four main bars – essentially a self-contained fortress. It was built on the site of a previous …
Bootham Bar
Bootham is a continuation of Petergate outside the city walls. There has been a gateway here for nearly 2000 years and Bootham Bar stands on the site of the western …
Dean’s Park
This small, leafy park, along with the Minster and a number of surrounding buildings, were part of the Liberty of St Peter, a walled city-within-a-city that was outside Mayoral jurisdiction. …
Anglian Tower
The so-called Anglian Tower, only excavated in 1969, is a small, square tower, built into the Roman fortress walls, with a simple arched doorway. Its origins are uncertain, and may …
Walmgate Bar
This is the only gatehouse to retain its outer defensive barbican. The bar is largely 12th century, but has been much restored. Its wooden doors are 15th century. At its …
Micklegate Bar
This gatehouse was the traditional ceremonial entrance for royalty, who would typically approach the city from the south. The exterior of the bar bears a royal coat of arms, the …
Victoria Bar
Like Fishergate Bar, Victoria Bar is a secondary gateway amongst York’s walls. The current structure was built on top of a much older 12th century gateway. Referred to as Lounelith, …
Bootham Bar Postern Tower
Resembling its sister building at Fishergate, it consists of a three storey tower, a portion of wall some three feet thick, and a secondary gateway or postern. The tower and …
St Mary’s Abbey
Originally dedicated to St Olave in 1055, this Benedictine abbey was re-established shortly after William I’s ‘harrowing of the north.’ It became one of the richest abbeys in the country, …