Horace
York’s most complete and recognisable Bar still comprises its defensive barbican, portcullis and oak doors. In fact Walmgate Bar is the only town gate in England to survive with its barbican intact.
The stone archway dates back to the 12th Century, the walled barbican is 14th Century and the original oak wooden gates are 15th Century. The timber framed and plaster building to the inside of the bar is 16th Century but has been recorded as being pre-dated by another building which was let out as early as the 14th Century, today it houses a cafe where you can stop off for a brew and a bite to eat while walking around the walls.
The biggest repairs to Walmgate Bar were in 1648 after undergoing severe damage during the Seige of York and again in 1840 after years of neglect. Today the Bar is still undergoing repairs due to its age but also due to a car driver who crashed into one of the supportive stone pillars.
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