By the 13th century it was in the hands of the Archbishop of York and in 1322 Archbishop Melton agreed to defend it in times of war. By  part of the city wall had been built along the south-east and south-west sides of the Old Baile, incorporating the existing ramparts and ditch, however, these defences were rarely called into use.
By the 13th century, it was under the control of the Archbishop of York, and in 1322, Archbishop Melton agreed to defend it during times of war. A portion of the city wall had been constructed along the south-east and south-west sides of the Old Baile, incorporating existing ramparts and ditches; however, these defenses were rarely employed.