York England / Monk Bar

May 2002
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Monk Bar consists of a four-storey gatehouse. Monk Bar is the most elaborate and ornate of the
surviving gates. The passageway and two lower storeys have elaborate vaulted roofs. The Bar dates
from the early 14th century. The elaborate design of the gatehouse meant that it could function as a
self - contained fortress with each floor capable of being defended. There is no evidence for a pre -
14th century gate on this site. Monk Bar still has its portcullis and winding mechanism. In fact, the
portcullis was regularly raised and lowered until 1970. Monk Bar hosts the Richard III Museum
and Theatre Room.         Exerpt From: A Virtual Tour Of York City Walls