York Historic Environment Record

Between the 5th July 2017 and the 12th July 2017 York Archaeological Trust conducted a building recording exercise at Micklegate Bar, York (SE 59754 51470). The work was undertaken for City of York Council prior to the renovation work on the third floor roof of the building. The work was based on a Written Scheme of Investigation produced by YAT. Micklegate Bar is a Scheduled Ancient Monument (List entry 1004910) and Grade I listed building (List entry 1259262) making up the historic primary entrance into the City of York on the west side of the River Ouse. It has its origins in the 12th century with the construction of the city walls. Several rebuilds and additions have taken place over the years with two stories being added in the 14th century and the back or north end and the current roof being added in the 19th century, replacing an earlier iteration. Micklegate Bar is the traditional ceremonial entrance for monarchs visiting the city, who, in a custom dating to King Richard II in 1389, touch the state sword when entering the gate. The building recording confirmed the suspicion that the majority of the roof is of 19th century construction, but that it incorporates some timbers from an earlier construction and features a number of timbers added during renovations in the 20th century. The recording combined detailed note taking and sketches with digital photography and photogrammetry for the creation of a 3D model.