The York Historic Environment Record (HER) is a comprehensive database documenting the city’s archaeological sites, historic buildings, monuments, and city walls, accessible online for research and public exploration.

Overview –

The York HER is maintained by the City Archaeologist at the City of York Council and serves as the primary archaeological database for the city. It contains information from a wide range of sources, including archaeological reports, historic maps, trade directories, and national monuments records, covering thousands of archaeological projects across York. The HER also includes details about the City Walls, scheduled monuments, and listed historic buildings.

Here you can discover York’s rich archaeological heritage (above and below ground) by searching the records or exploring the map.

You can also find out more about the history of York’s City Walls and how they are cared for by exploring the City Walls section.

The York Historic Environment Record (HER) can be accessed via THIS LINK

The section on York’s City Walls history ( HERE ) states – York City Walls are of exceptional significance on account of their long and unique history and their historic and continuing relevance to, and impact on, the culture, society, economy and environment of the City of York and its wider, universal contexts.

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Posted 22nd April 2026   AF

FOYW Artwork Project and Image Gallery

Over the past three years the Friends of York Walls have been commissioning local artists to produce an example of their work using the City Walls and Fishergate Postern Tower as their creative inspiration.  We have also commissioned some artists to do studies of individual stones on the walls, highlighting the fact their surfaces have their own intrinsic interest.  In addition, we have also bought examples of works by artists from the past and present.

Our aim is to provide people with the experience of seeing creative responses to the walls, both through a gallery of the images and supporting information on this website, and through installing the originals in Fishergate Postern Tower. This is a building on the walls which we open to the public as a heritage venue, to maximise public access. An exhibition of the artwork, later in the year, will aim to enhance the visitor experience within the building.   We are also happy to show the work of the artists to a wide public.

The Artwork Image Gallery & Information can be accessed  HERE

Posted / Updated 23rd Feb 2026  AF

Fishergate Postern Tower

Located at  Junction of Piccadilly and Lead Mill Lane  YORK   YO1 9AF

The Tower will be OPEN on Saturday 14th February and Saturday 28th February 2026
from 10:00 – 16:00   as part of the 2026 Open Days schedule.

If you are in York on 14th February – treat your Valentine to a unique FREE experience and visit the tower!      (FREE  ENTRY   but donations always welcome)

Climb the spiral staircase of this early Tudor tower, work the model portcullis and find a remarkably complete garderobe, hunt for masons’  marks, see the re-used roof beams and our displays, including brand new replicas reborn from fragments found in our recent archaeological dig.

Disabled Access (Partial – ground floor only)

This event is provided by volunteers of The Friends of York Walls.   If you would like to get involved please email  us at      friendsofyorkwalls@yorkwalls.org.uk

These are the latest openings of Fishergate Postern Tower for our 2026 season.   For all planned 2026 open days please see    HERE

Our 2026 Information Leaflet  (Issue 1  January 2026)  is available    HERE 

To volunteer at any of our FPT Open Days please visit the LINK HERE and fill in the spreadsheet.

Updated 12th February 2026    AF