practicalguideto00unse_0

45
MICKLEGATE BAR
consists of a square tower built over a single arch,
with embattled turrets at the angles, each turret mounted
with a stone figure of a warder. There are shields in
the front of the bar bearing the arms of England and
France quarterly, the arms of the city, each with a canopy
above them; also those of Sir John Lister Kaye, Bart.,
Lord Mayor in 1727, during whose year of office this bar was
renovated. On the inside, the arms of England with Franc6
are again sculptured. The side arches are modern, the
chambers are at present inhabited. It was on this bar that
the heads of many notorious traitors have been exposed.
The date of its erection is about 1300 ;
the chief arch
on the outer side is supposed by many to be of Roman
work. The barbican was removed in 1826, and the portcullis
more recently.
Continuing our walk on the walls, passing the Nunnery
with its grounds on our right, Scarcroft and Knavesmire
in the distance, we reach Victoria Bar, a modern
opening. A little beyond this a grand view of the
Minster is to be had, giving an idea of its noble
proportions. At the south-west bastion we overlook the
suburbs of Clementhorpe and the road leading to Bishopthorpe.
Turning the angle we soon arrive at Skeldergate
Postern, having Baile Hill on our left, on which, in ancient
times, the Archbishops had a prison, and in more modern
times, in the hollow, the city j air was built, but which is now
taken down. At our feet is the river, beyond it the Castle
and hoary Keep of Clifford's Tower ;
to the right may be seen
the New Walk, a very pleasant path along the left bank of the
river leading to the pretty village of Fulford : the spire of the
church may be discerned peeping out from among the trees.
Descending the steps, let us cross the river by the new iron
bridge; on our left are some remains of the old walls, running
up to Tower Street; in front are new buildings attached
to the Assize Courts, consisting of rooms and offices for the
grand jury, barristers, and witnesses. Crossing Castle Mills
Bridge over the river Foss, just beyond is the square tower
or keep of Fishergate postern, an erection of the fifteenth
century. Passing through the archway, we mount the walls