Medieval gateways spark ‘unprecedented’ interest

A heritage site has sparked significant interest after opening up two iconic buildings to potential business tenants.

Micklegate Bar and Monk Bar gateways, in York, dating back to the 12th and 14th centuries, respectively, are being marketed for lease through agents Garness Jones and Barry Crux & Company. 

Owned by City of York Council and leased to York Archaeological Trust, the buildings were previously used for heritage exhibitions, including The Henry VII Experience, The Richard III Experience and The City Walls Experience, though are now vacant.

Of the two, Micklegate Bar is arguably the more famous, being known as “traitors’ gate” due to its association with Richard, duke of York, who, along with his son Edmund, earl of Rutland and his close ally Richard Neville, earl of Salisbury, were “displayed” on the orders of Margaret of Anjou over Mickelgate Bar following their deaths at the Battle of Wakefield in 1460.

The duke supposedly wore a paper crown and a sign saying, “Let York overlook the town of York”.

Monk Bar, which dates back to the early 14th century

Since hitting the market, they have attracted what agents are calling “unprecedented” demand, with viewing slots expected to be limited due to the high volume of offers.

Andrew Spencer, agency director of Barry Crux & Company, said: “We’ve really been taken by surprise by level of interest.

“Our client, York Archaeological Trust, no longer has any intended use for the spaces and so came to us to see what the appetite there may be in the market for somebody to take over the leases.

“We expected interest to create maybe a small tearoom or similar, but they have generated interest for retail, art and crafts display spaces and potentially as a base for ghost walks, and businesses related to witches, psychics, goths, druids and spiritualists.

“Within a matter of days of being on market we’d had a significant number of offers made, without even having a viewing of the spaces, and more than 40 enquires and requested viewings. 

“It has been unpreceded. 

The enquires just keep coming in day after day.”

Each three-storey site offers a rare chance to trade from within the city’s Roman-era walls, with rents starting from just £4000 a year.

Monk Bar offers over 1700sq ft of space, while Micklegate Bar provides just under 1000sq ft, both steeped in history.

Andrew added: “It just demonstrates the continued appeal of York’s historic buildings and features, and of course, it is a unique opportunity to arise for people to house their business or operations in such significant buildings within the famed York walls.

“Given the demand we have seen, I can’t imagine it will take too long to come to deals on each of the spaces. 

“We’re sure they’ll be great additions to the York offering and provide a great home to those who secure the leases.

“We’ve the support of the City of York Council and will together ensure the businesses chosen to fill these unique spaces are in keeping with the historical significance and character of the buildings themselves.”

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