195 - From Clifford's Tower our anticlockwise route around York City Walls crosses the River Foss, to the southern end of Piccadilly, where we find Fishergate Postern.
This tower was built between 1504 and 1507 replacing an earlier tower called Talkan Tower.
Next to the tower are the remains of a small postern gate - the posternam iuxta Skarletpit - meaning the postern next to the Scarlet Pit, presumably a pool in the River Foss.
The tower has changed very little since it was built 500 years ago. The most significant difference is the roof. Originally it had a flat roof, but that didn't last, so it was replaced by a sloping tiled roof, with the roof timbers being recycled timbers from a ship!
Thank you Bob. I'm not sure what it's original use was, but there must have been guards to protect the small entrance, although the main garrison is close by at York Castle (Clifford's Tower) just across the river. For many years in the 20th century it was used as a store by the city council. More recently, the Friends of York Walls are working towards opening it as a community / visitor centre - see http://yorkwalls.org.uk/?p=642
Thank you Louise, and I agree, it is often just passed by, probably because it's exterior is relatively featureless compared with parts of the wall like the bars.
Thank you Jen - it's interesting both outside and inside, although it's not very often possible to look inside.
Thank you Junan - it was a lovely day, and the blue sky is the real thing!
Thank you Ruth, glad that you are enjoying the tour!
Thank you Pyrrhula, it is an attractive building.
Thank you Tony - the tour continues...
Thank you, we're almost at the end of the walls now (unless I do a lap of honour!)
Thank you Bob. I'm not sure what it's original use was, but there must have been guards to protect the small entrance, although the main garrison is close by at York Castle (Clifford's Tower) just across the river. For many years in the 20th century it was used as a store by the city council. More recently, the Friends of York Walls are working towards opening it as a community / visitor centre - see http://yorkwalls.org.uk/?p=642
Thank you Louise, and I agree, it is often just passed by, probably because it's exterior is relatively featureless compared with parts of the wall like the bars.
Thank you Brian - you're right, it is quite tall - 4 storeys high.
Thank you Brian, glad you are enjoying the tour!
Thank you Petaqui, I agree, these old buildings are very attractive.
Thank you Marie, the tour continues....
Thank you Roslyn!