Monk Bar consists of a four-storey gatehouse. It 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 fourteenth 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-fourteenth 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.