Monk Bar (York)
Monk Bar is one of the historic gates in the City Walls surrounding the ancient city of York.
It is situated at the end of Goodramgate, not far from the magnificent York Minster. The road continures to Scarborough on the coast.
The gate has a Norman core, and was faced in the Decorated period.
Monk Bar was the tallest and most heavily fortified of the gates, and retains its portcullis, although the barbican was removed in the 19th century.
During the 17th century, the upper floor was used as a prison, and executed prisoners' heads were sometimes displayed from the wall.
Along the top of the gate are stone statues, which from afar look like men defending the gate, and were a deterrent against attack, especially as they were holding stones ready to drop.
More recently, a Richard III Museum was established here.