The North Bar was built in 1409 to oppose attack from Molescroft, along what is now Molescroft Road.

Enemy troops would have found their advance blocked by a portcullis, the slot for which can still be seen in the structure – which consists of 112,300 bricks put in place by workers paid only a few pennies a day.

It still has its eye-catching cornice above the entrance, formed by laying a diagonal line of bricks between two projecting brick works.

Three other bars, or gates, were also built as part of the defences – Newbegin Bar, Keldgate (or South) Bar, and Norwood Bar, to which smaller bars and turnstiles were added in the 15th century.

Yesterday's celebrations involved a parade by primary school children from Beverley Minster.

Other highlights included a North Bar opening ceremony – marking the first time the gates have been closed for a long time – a reading of a proclamation, and medieval re-enactment

The celebrations were seen in the Market Place, North Bar Within, and around the Minster. There was live music, art exhibitions, dance workshops and other events.