The Friends of York Walls 2nd Annual General Meeting will be on Monday 15th April 2013 at 7:30pm
Venue: Bedern Hall, St. Andrewgate, York. YO1 7AL 01904 646030
Motions to be submitted to the Secretary: sec@yorkwalls.org.uk by Friday 5th April 2013
Year: 2013
The solution to last weeks Picture Number 17 –
The narrow spiral staircase is inside Fishergate Postern Tower – an impressive, grade I listed, rectangular stone building at the end Piccadilly, opposite the Wetherspoon’s “The Postern Gate”. The stone tower as we see it today, but without the tiled roof, was built between 1504 and 1507 in place of an earlier structure known as Talken Tower.
The spiral staircase is the only access to the upper floors. There are hidden defensive “trip steps” built into the stone treads – to catch out any unsuspecting attackers trying to rush up to the higher floors. The only “attackers” these days are the increasing number of people who come to see the interior of the tower during open days organized by the Friends of York Walls.
One of the biggest ongoing objectives of the Friends of York Walls is to re-open Fishergate Postern Tower for community use. They are also seeking to raise funds towards refurbishment of the tower by inviting the general public and local businesses to “Sponsor a Stone”. The tower is currently opened up by The Friends at significant York events and during the summer weekends. Watch the website at https://yorkwalls.org.uk/ for details.
Picture Number 18 :-
A tower probably better known for its outside appearance !
The answer will be given here on our FaceBook page.
The solution to last weeks Picture Number 16 :–
Heraldry on Micklegate Bar includes the carved plaque commemorating the restoration of 1727, with shield of arms of Lord Mayor Sir John Lister Kaye; two shields of the Arms of the City of York: the Plantagenet Royal Arms beneath a crested helm. Some sources give the date as 1737.
Micklegate Bar is a 12th century Norman arched gate and rebuilt in the late-12th or early-13th century. In the early 14th century, the three-storied structure was added, which allowed for the inclusion of the portcullis. The outward façade seen today dates from the 14th-century renovations. It was at this stage that the Bar also received its barbican, a walled but roofless space in front of the Bar, with walkways on top of its walls. The barbican, although in disrepair for many years, remained in place until demolished in 1826. The last major restoration work took place in 1952 and the stone figures on top of the bar date from that restoration. In 1968, the west turret was dismantled and completely rebuilt.
Picture Number 17 :-
Our first inside mystery picture, but a place increasing numbers are visiting !
The answer will be given here on our FaceBook page.
On a damp Monday morning, on 4th March 2013, volunteers from the Friends of York Walls carried out a litter pick along the York wall ramparts close to Baile Hill, under the supervision of Paul from the City of York Council.
A competition was held between the pickers for who ‘picked the most used item’ and this was won by Paul of CYC. The item was a ladies under garment – one that is worn below the waist! The knickers can be claimed from CYC new offices, but the owner must provide proof of ownership, and a large carrier bag for collection!
All the pickers had an entertaining morning and anyone wanting to volunteer to assist the Friends of York Walls at the next walls litter pick should watch the website at https://yorkwalls.org.uk/ for details. Next month the walls ramparts should be full of bloomers.
