Colourful figures from city's rich past called to the Bar

Now Micklegate Bar on York's medieval walls has been transformed into a new attraction which spells out the city's colourful past by focusing on the people who lived in the well-known landmark.

The York Archaeological Trust took on the lease of a museum that was already housed in Micklegate Bar at the end of last year before carrying out the 50,000 refit.

The trust's director of attractions, Sarah Maltby, said: "Micklegate Bar was first documented in the reign of Henry II, and has stood as the gateway to York ever since.

"Our aim is to bring the Bar to life and make the history accessible for everyone."

The new museum, which opens to the public on Saturday next week, includes exhibitions about those who lived in Micklegate Bar, such as the prisoners from York Castle and latterly the police constables through to its last resident, PC Harry Sowden, who left in 1918.

A reconstructed head of Richard, Duke of York, who lost his life during the War of the Roses, will also appear in the museum as a reminder of Micklegate Bar's gruesome past.