Micklegate Bar, York

Micklegate Bar was historically the most important of York’s four principal medieval gateways and served as the traditional ceremonial entrance to the city for monarchs and other distinguished visitors. Its name comes from the Old Norse mykla gata, meaning “great street,” reflecting its position on the main road into York from the south.

The lower section of the four-storey gatehouse dates from the 12th century, while the upper two stories were added in the 14th century. These upper floors were inhabited until the 20th century and previously hosted history museums, though the medieval chambers have since been transitioned into a local art gallery and boutique retail asset. Like York’s other principal gateways, Micklegate Bar originally had a barbican, or outer gateway, which became ruinous and was demolished in 1826.

Micklegate Bar also has a particularly dark history. For centuries, the severed heads of rebels and traitors were displayed on spikes above the gateway as a warning to dissenters. Among those whose heads were displayed here were Sir Henry Percy, Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, and several other prominent figures. The last severed head was removed in 1754.

Yet Micklegate Bar was also a place of ceremony. At least six reigning monarchs, beginning with Richard II in 1389, entered York through the Bar, traditionally stopping to ask the Lord Mayor’s permission to enter the city.