History of the city walls

In this section:

• The Romans
  The Romans arrived at the spot where the Rivers Ouse and Foss meet in AD71
• 400 - 1068
  We are not sure what happened between 400 and 1068. Did any of the Roman walls survive through this period? A grant of land made during the seventh century refers to the "city wall towards the south and a great gate towards the west".
• 11th Century
  York Castle was built by William I in 1068
• 12th - 14th Century
  The gateways through the defences in York are called 'bars'. The name 'bar' has its origins in the bars, or simple gates, which were used to block the gateways to keep people out
• 15th - 16th Century
  Take a look inside Walmgate Bar
• 17th Century
  Little is known about St Mary's Tower until 1644 when it was the subject of a heavy attack by the Parliamentarians
• 19th Century
  The most sustained period of construction works for 600 years took place in the nineteenth century
• 20th Century
  Today, the walls are still one of the York's most popular features.
• Future
  What does the future hold for the walls?