Conservation works at Bootham Bar
Our in-house Stonemason Team are carrying out conservation works on Bootham Bar, part of York’s medieval walls, from Monday 16 June, for up to 6 months.
The work includes:
- preserving the lead and timber covering of the bar’s roof, which has been leaking intermittently
- conserving the principal timber structures by stripping out more modern elements to preserve the more historical parts
- maintaining the ancient gateway and preserving our mediaeval walls for the generations to come
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Enabling Bootham Bar conservation work
Bootham Bar will be wrapped in scaffolding which will require a road closure (for all users), at the section of the walls on High Petergate. A diversion for vehicles and cyclists will be in place via Duncombe Place.
We’re working closely with businesses in the area to ensure that any disruption to kept a minimum; we've spoken direct to those affected, and will continue to provide support them where possible.
- Access will be provided at all times for vehicles and cyclists to facilitate deliveries
- Pedestrians will be able to continue to use the pedestrian arch under Bootham Bar (it will remain open throughout the works)
- A temporary ramp will be but in place for wheelchairs and mobility scooter access
- Cyclists who are able, can choose to dismount and push cycles through the pedestrian access point
History of Bootham Bar
Bootham Bar played a central role in York's military defence, civic pride, and rituals of punishment and power. It was a launch point for armies, a checkpoint for Scots, and a gallery for rebel heads; it sits on the site of the Porta Principalis Dextra, a gateway to the legionary fortress dating back to 72AD.
Over time, Bootham Bar has evolved from a fortified gateway to a historic monument, surviving both war and 19th-century urban planning.
Key dates in the history of Bootham Bar include:
- Roman Era (1st to 4th century): Bootham Bar is built on the site of a Roman gateway to the fortress of Eboracum - Roman stonework and carved fragments were discovered during later excavations.
- Norman Period (11th to 12th century): Original Norman archway constructed using repurposed materials, with characteristic thick mortar joints - the base structure of the current gate largely dates from this time.
- 1650: Visit by Oliver Cromwell; the city replaced royal arms with the State’s arms at Bootham Bar as a sign of support, cannons were fired in his honour.
- 1660: Restoration of Charles II, after Cromwell’s rule, the monarchy returned, the State's arms were likely removed from the bar as part of the celebrations.
- 1889: Restoration and Rampart Access; Bootham Bar was altered to allow passage to the ramparts - an external stairway was added and the portcullis was saved from destruction by citizen protest.
Future conservation of York City Walls
The works at Bootham Bar are all part of ongoing efforts to preserve York’s historic monuments.
It’s hoped that with the upcoming launch of 'Tap and Donate' later this year, that projects like this could be partly funded through public donations going forward. This project will cost circa £300,000, funded from the council’s capital programme.
