20/365 Gate to the city of York

One of the most interesting features of York is the medieval wall that nearly encircles the city. The structure is more than 1000 years old, dating back to Roman times.

That's hard for me to even wrap my mind around!

The wall is in remarkably good shape, and several of the original gates to the city still stand. This is one on the south side of the city, nearest our hotel -- Micklegate Bar. I picked up a Frommer's guide to England prior to the trip. Its entry on York said that on this particular gate, at one time, the heads of criminals were staked to warn intruders.

Lovely, no?

Today, you can climb up to the top of the walls and walk around the city, which is between 2.5 and 3 miles in circumference. It's a great way to see the city from above. I walked about half of it after dinner one night later in the week, so watch for a post soon that shows a view from atop the wall.


Camera: Canon 40D, 1/125s, f/5.6 at ISO 250 at about 7:00 p.m.