Bootham Bar
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11th-14th centuries.This has been a gate from the earliest of Roman times when Eboracum was first founded in 71 and the Roman gate was possibly in use beyond the 7th century. This particular gate was started in the 11th century using the stone of the Roman gate. In the 14th century the bar was heightened to accommodate a portcullis (the remains of which can still be seen) and a barbican was added. Damage to the bar in the civil war siege of York in 1644 was repaired in 1645. Heads of traitors were displayed on the top of the bar from the 15th to the 17th centuries. The barbican was removed progressively during 1831-1835 when walls to the south were destroyed and St. Leonard's Place built. The stairs on the outside of the walls giving access to the bar and through to the Bar Wall walk (and obviously not a part of the original defence wall) were added in 1889. The bar has had considerable conservation work done on it in the 20th century. The 21st century has seen the installation of a light and sound display inside the bar. (Ref. 1) Photo: taken 3 June 2007 |
