Bootham Bar

About Bootham Bar

Bootham Bar is one of four medieval gateways into York; it protected the road entering the city from the north-west. The medieval tower stands on the site of an earlier gateway into the Roman fortress, which originally covered the area that is now around York Minster. Most of the tower today dates from the early medieval period. In the 1300s, a portcullis and barbican were added and Bootham Bar was heightened. The barbican was a defensive passageway, which extended in front of the tower, guarding the way.

In the early 1830s, the barbican was removed, along with a length of city wall, for the construction of St. Leonard’s Place beyond.

Bootham Bar itself was at risk of being demolished but was saved from destruction by strong public opposition.

Three statues sit on top of Bootham Bar, all added in 1894, replacements for medieval ones. They represent a stone mason holding a model of the bar tower; Nicholas Langton, a 14th century Mayor of York; and a knight carrying a sword and shield.