Marygate, entrance to the Museum Gardens, York

Marygate, entrance to the Museum Gardens, York, York Virtual Tour.

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Guide and Virtual Tour of York: Marygate, entrance to the Museum Gardens, York.
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The City of York has more miles of intact city walls than any City anywhere else in England, and some sections of the walls date back to Roman times.

When the Romans first arrived in York during the first century AD, they built a military fortification on the banks of the River Ouse. The town of Eboracum (the original Roman name for the city) grew up around the fort, and strong walls were then constructed to enclose both the fort and town. These walls form the basis of the city walls that remain today.

The majority of the York City Wall dates from the 12th to the 14th century, although a few sections were restored in the Victorian age. The main entrance gates into the old city stand at Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar and Micklegate Bar. The name 'bar' refers to the simple bars which were levelled across the gates to restrict traffic in and out of the city. The bars also acted as toll booths during the medieval period. ?

The rectangular gatehouse at Micklegate Bar (the name derives from the original Viking 'myla gata' or 'geat street') marks the main entrance to the city of York. Micklegate is also the traditional entry point for Kings and Queens visiting York. In a ceremony that dates back to the reign of King Richard II monarchs touch the state sword when entering Micklegate Bar.

Monk Bar is the most elaborate of the city gates of York. Monk Bar consists of a four-story gatehouse which dates from the early 14th century. The gatehouse was originally designed to be able to stand as a self-contained fortress, with each floor capable of being defended individually. ?

Monk Bar is now home to the Richard III Museum, where visitors can see a modern 'trial' of Shakespeare's villain and decide for themselves if Richard really was the prototypical evil uncle, or a maligned and courageous king.

Considerably more of York City Walls might remain if it had not been for the misplaced efforts of the Corporation of York. In 1800 the corporation applied to the British parliament for permission to destroy the old walls and city gates due to their age and the cost of maintenance. Despite opposition, including that of King George II, the Corporation proceeded to demolish 3 walled forts, four gates, and short sections of wall. Some sections of wall damaged in this way have since been repaired.


You are viewing panorama No.25 (Marygate, entrance to the Museum Gardens, York), one of 134 Virtual Reality 360 degree views of York.

Map of York showing the location of Marygate, entrance to the Museum Gardens, York at Latitude 53.96234 / Longitude -1.08922.

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