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Walmgate Bar

A gate with a house built on

York - walk around the walls

Walmgate Bar was the main entry to the city from the south east. It has separate entrances for vehicles and for people on foot. It is the only town gate that still has its barbican intact, not only in York but in England. The barbican was built on to the gate to provide additional defence.

Walmgate Bar has several parts: the gateway in the wall, a gate house inside the walls and a stone barbican outside the walls.

The inner gateway was built in the 12th century Most of the present bar dates from the 14th century, however. The wooden gates are 15th century. The bar was severely damaged in the English Civil War in 1644, when the city was under siege by Oliver Cromwell's army. It was rebuilt four years later, using the stones from a local church which had also been destroyed. You can still see bullet holes from the siege in various parts of the gate and its north tower.

The timber framed gate house on the inside of the bar is a 16th century Elizabethan building.

The fortified additional barbican section outside the gate itself was built in the 14th century.

Tip A recent addition to Walmgate Bar is the small café now located there. There is seating on the roof with good views, making it a useful place to take a break during a Walls Walk Itinerary.

TIME Allow a few minutes

Practical Info Practical Info icon

LOCATION Castle Area

1200–1600: Medieval York

The Castle Area

Walk the Walls In-Half-A-Day

A popular way to get an overview of the city

Text © Raymond Williams

Image by alh1