Following the wall walk in yesterday's shot, you arrive at Walmgate Bar.
"York’s most complete and recognisable Bar still comprises its defensive barbican, portcullis and oak doors. In fact Walmgate Bar is the only town gate in England to survive with its barbican intact.
The stone archway dates back to the 12th Century, the walled barbican is 14th Century and the original oak wooden gates are 15th Century. The timber framed and plaster building to the inside of the bar is 16th Century but has been recorded as being pre-dated by another building which was let out as early as the 14th Century. Today it houses a cafe where you can stop off for a brew and a bite to eat while walking around the walls.
The biggest repairs to Walmgate Bar were in 1648 after undergoing severe damage during the Civil War and the Seige of York and again in 1840 after years of neglect. Today the Bar is still undergoing repairs due to its age but also due to motor vehicles crashed into the supportive stone pillars or the upper part of the arch."
More recently the arch has been closed to motor traffic and is for cyclists only.
This shot shows the inner side of the bar defences, and the Elizabethan addition. The cafe in the bar has been closed for some months due to Covid-19, but when it is open, in addition to the refreshments, one can walk out onto the barbican defences and onto the roof to enjoy the views.
This shot doesn't show the barbican - that is for another time when I get chance for another walk. What you may be able to find here though is a small sculpture of a cat - can anyone see it?
Magnificent structure! wow! must be proud to have the only town gate in England to survive with its barbican intact. Glad only bicycles can use the arch - preserve the history
Yes, I do see the cat, well hidden
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Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
Although the arch is closed to traffic other than cyclists, there is a Victorian arch inserted into the walls to the left of this shot to let traffic in and out of the city centre.
Yes, I do see the cat, well hidden
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( The soil is sea-clay.)
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
Although the arch is closed to traffic other than cyclists, there is a Victorian arch inserted into the walls to the left of this shot to let traffic in and out of the city centre.
Ian
Thank you Brian - more shots of the city walls to come when I get chance to walk along more of them.
Ian