177 - Micklegate Bar is the next entrance to the city that we meet in our anticlockwise tour around York city walls. It has been included previously in my project - http://365project.org/if1/365/2012-05-19
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. At least half a dozen reigning monarchs have passed through this gate and by tradition they stop here to ask the Lord Mayor's permission to enter the city.
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, in this case demolished in 1826.
For centuries the severed heads of rebels and traitors were displayed above the gate, the many victims include Sir Henry Purcey (Hotspur) in 1403 and Richard, Duke of York in 1460. The last of the severed heads was removed in 1754.
The arch to the left of the main gate was made by the Victorians to allow better traffic flow.
Awesome structure and great history Ian. am intrigued by the varied sizes of stones used in the construction. It speaks volumes for the craftsmen who put it together. Such an old feature to appear in the modern world.
Ian, the different sized stones make it appear that it was built in sections... perhaps from different craftsmen. Or, maybe the quarry gave out before enough stones were quarried. Nicely done.
It does! It does! You can clearly see the texture and brick structure in the light and so beautiful against the blue sky. Hope there will be more sunny days for you!
Thank you Tony, glad you like it! The structure was built, extended, restored and renovated at various times, so the different stones reflect different phases of the process.
Thank you Bob. The lower part was built in the 12th century and the upper part extended in the 14th century. There was also once a projecting barbican similar to that in http://365project.org/if1/365/2012-07-30 which was removed about 150 years ago. This, combined with renovations and repairs means that many different craftsmen have worked on it over the last 800-900 years. The stone came from several quarries around Tadcaster, some 10 miles west of York, since there is no local stone suitable for building.
Thank you Tony, glad you like it! The structure was built, extended, restored and renovated at various times, so the different stones reflect different phases of the process.
Thank you Bob. The lower part was built in the 12th century and the upper part extended in the 14th century. There was also once a projecting barbican similar to that in http://365project.org/if1/365/2012-07-30 which was removed about 150 years ago. This, combined with renovations and repairs means that many different craftsmen have worked on it over the last 800-900 years. The stone came from several quarries around Tadcaster, some 10 miles west of York, since there is no local stone suitable for building.
Thank you Jen, glad you like it!
Thank you Sue, glad you like it! - some of the rooms in the Bar are now a museum, so it's possible to have a look inside as well.
Thank you Lydia! - it's certainly more attractive with the sun on it!
Thank you Brian! - sadly we were back to cloud and rain today.
Thank you Bruni, glad you are enjoying the tour! There's a view from the walls beside the Bar into the city at http://365project.org/if1/365/2012-05-18.
Thank you Marie! - sadly today was cloudy and rain.
Thank you Lynne, glad you are still enjoying the tour!
Thank you M C, glad you are enjoying the history tour!
Thank you Amanda, glad you like it! There's a view from the walls beside the Bar into this part of the city at http://365project.org/if1/365/2012-05-18.
That's an interesting idea! Stonebow House does perform one service - it's a warning of what can go wrong if architects aren't watched carefully!
Thank you David, glad you like the shot and the history! - there's certainly a lot of history in York for me to record!