This bar was the entry point through the walls for travellers from the south. The journey into the city continues along Micklegate on one side, and leaves in the direction of the Knavesmire.

Over 800 years old, this four-storey bar is the gate used by British monarchs entering the city. They need to stop to ask the permission to enter of the Lord Mayor; six different monarchs have done so.

This was also the place where many prisoners were held on their way to execution down the road at the Knavesmire. And here the heads of executed criminals and traitors were mounted on show as a warning to others. (The last was in 1754.)

During the siege of York (1644) in the English Civil War it was damaged by Cromwell's munitions. Look for the pockmarks on the walls facing out of the city.