Micklegate Bar

About Micklegate Bar

Micklegate Bar was the most important of York’s four main medieval gateways, welcoming visitors from London and the south.

Constructed in the mid-1300s, the huge stone structure incorporated a much earlier 12^th century gate and once had a barbican (outer defence) which was demolished in 1826.

The gateway’s original name ‘Micklelith’ means ‘Great Street’ and was also the traditional ceremonial entrance for monarchs entering York.

Heraldry on the face of the medieval entranceway reflects its importance, far more ornate than that on the city’s other main gates.

Frequently referred to as ‘traitor’s gate’, heads of traitors were regularly displayed on top of Micklegate Bar.

Perhaps the most notable was Richard, The Duke of York, during the Wars of the Roses, who had a strong claim to the English throne.

Following the Lancastrian victory over the Yorkists at The Battle of Wakefield in 1460, the duke’s head was stuck on a spike and supposedly given a paper crown to mock him.
The last two heads to appear on the gateway belonged to William Connolly and James Mayne, members of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army during the Jacobite Rebellion, both executed in York in 1746.

Micklegate Bar is the most important of York’s four main medieval gateways, being the nearest entrance to London.