The York City Walls, also known as the Bar Walls, are among the finest and most complete medieval city walls in England. Enclosing the historic city of York, these walls represent over two millennia of history, architectural evolution, and strategic importance. Walking along these ancient fortifications is like taking a step back through the ages, offering not only a physical pathway around the city but also a journey through Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Viking, Norman, and medieval English heritage.
Origins and Early Foundations
The origins of York’s city walls date back to the Roman period. York was founded by the Romans in AD 71 as Eboracum, and a defensive structure was essential for the settlement. The Romans constructed a fortified wall of stone and earth, complete with gates and towers, which roughly corresponded to the current circuit.
Some remains of these Roman walls can still be seen today, particularly in the Multangular Tower located in the Museum Gardens. This tower was part of the Roman fortress and is constructed of layered stone and brick. It serves as a tangible reminder of York’s military beginnings as one of the most important Roman strongholds in northern Britain.
Anglo-Saxon and Viking Contributions
Following the Roman withdrawal in the early 5th century, the walls deteriorated but were reused and adapted by successive rulers. During the Anglo-Saxon period, York continued to be an important ecclesiastical and trading centre, and although major fortification efforts are not well documented, it is likely that the walls were still in use.
The Vikings, who captured York in 866 and renamed it Jórvík, maintained its status as a significant urban centre. While the Vikings left little in terms of fortification remnants on the walls, they did influence the layout of the city and its gates, and archaeological evidence of their presence remains abundant in the city.
Norman and Medieval Expansion
It was during the Norman period and especially the 13th and 14th centuries that York’s city walls took on the shape that we see today. King Henry III ordered extensive construction and strengthening of the city defences, partly in response to civil unrest and external threats.
The walls were expanded, and large stone gates known as bars were constructed. The four main bars — Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar, and Micklegate Bar — served both as defensive strongholds and checkpoints for goods entering the city. They were equipped with portcullises, arrow slits, and living quarters for guards and gatekeepers. Each bar has its own character and history:
- Bootham Bar stands on the site of the Roman porta principalis dextra and includes some Roman stonework.
- Monk Bar is the tallest of the bars and contains a portcullis and a small museum dedicated to King Richard III.
- Walmgate Bar is unique for retaining its original barbican, a fortified outwork.
- Micklegate Bar is the traditional ceremonial entrance to the city, used by monarchs and also as a grim place where the heads of traitors were displayed.
Smaller gates, called posterns, and defensive towers were also added along the walls. Altogether, the circuit stretches approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) and encloses an area of about 263 acres.
Strategic Importance
York’s city walls were not only defensive structures but also symbols of authority and power. In medieval times, they served to protect the city from invasion, control trade, and uphold law and order. The gates allowed city officials to levy tolls and monitor who entered and exited the city, maintaining a degree of civic independence from the crown.
During the Wars of the Roses, York was a key player, and the walls were vital to its defence. In 1644, during the English Civil War, the city was besieged by Parliamentary forces. The Royalist garrison made use of the walls, and the siege ended only after the Battle of Marston Moor when the city surrendered. Damage from the Civil War is still evident in some sections, though the walls were largely restored afterward.
Preservation and Restoration
With the advent of gunpowder and changes in warfare, the walls gradually lost their military function. By the 18th century, they were seen as outdated, and parts of the walls were demolished to improve traffic flow and urban development. However, public opinion shifted, and by the 19th century, antiquarian interest led to efforts to preserve and restore the walls.
Today, the walls are cared for primarily by City of York Council and are protected as a scheduled ancient monument. They are also part of the York City Walls Trail, a popular walking route for tourists and locals alike.
The Walking Experience
Walking the city walls is one of York’s greatest free experiences. The full circuit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours at a leisurely pace, offering stunning views of the city and its landmarks, including York Minster, the River Ouse, Clifford’s Tower, and the picturesque medieval streets.
Each section of the wall has its own character:
- The stretch from Bootham Bar to Monk Bar passes close to York Minster, offering fantastic photo opportunities.
- Between Monk Bar and Walmgate Bar, walkers can see parts of the wall restored in Victorian times and views over modern York.
- Walmgate Bar to Fishergate Postern Tower includes a peaceful, green area that was once more industrial.
- The final section from Fishergate to Micklegate Bar includes lovely gardens and offers a quiet end to the loop.
Numerous interpretation panels along the route explain the history and architecture of each segment. Some areas are open to visitors year-round, while others may close in icy weather for safety reasons.
Accessibility and Safety
While the walk is relatively easy, it is important to note that many sections of the walls involve narrow walkways, uneven surfaces, and steps, making them not fully accessible to people with mobility issues. There are railings in most parts, but care should be taken, especially in wet weather.
Several access points along the route allow for partial walks if the full circuit is too long. Benches and green spaces also offer resting spots, particularly near the Museum Gardens and Fishergate.
Educational and Cultural Importance
Beyond their physical presence, York’s walls play a central role in education, tourism, and local identity. School groups, historians, and tourists frequently explore the walls as part of a wider visit to York’s historic sites.
The bars often house exhibits and small museums, such as the Richard III Experience at Monk Bar and the Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar (though availability may vary). These help interpret not just the walls themselves, but the broader political and social history of the region.
They also feature prominently in local festivals and walking tours, including ghost walks and historical reenactments. The annual York Walls Festival celebrates the walls with talks, activities, and special openings of towers not usually accessible to the public.
A Living Symbol
For many residents of York, the walls are more than just tourist attractions — they are a symbol of heritage, continuity, and resilience. Their survival through centuries of war, political upheaval, and urban change speaks to the city’s enduring importance in English history.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong local, the York City Walls provide a unique way to connect with the city’s storied past. They encircle not only the physical heart of York but also its identity, standing as stone sentinels that have watched over the city for nearly 2,000 years.
