Bootham Bar

About Bootham Bar

Bootham Bar is the most northerly entrance into York, built on the remains of the Porta Principalis Dextra, one of four gates that led to the Roman legionary fortress.

One of Eboracum’s two main streets was the Via Principalis, now present-day Petergate, which joined the north-west and south-east gates.

Most of Bootham Bar’s fabric today dates from the 14th century when a portcullis and barbican, a defensive passageway, were added.

The main archway is the oldest part of the structure, dating back to the 11th century, although some of the stone was almost certainly reused from the original Roman gate.

A quarter mile walk exists between Bootham Bar and another medieval entrance, Monk Bar, which follows the foundations of the Roman fortress’s north-west wall.