Ancient_and_modern_York_a_guide

114 AJTCIENT A1TD
gate, which is closed in every night at the usual hour.
It has the character altogether," he adds, "as to ancient
fortification, to be as noble and august a port as most in
Europe." In 1826, the barbican to which Drake refers,
was removed, as the walls became dilapidated ; and the
portcullis and great doors no longer exist. At the same
time, the corporation put the bar into complete repair,
regilding the ancient arms and devices on the outer
face of it: In which condition it happily remains at
present. Above the gateway is a shield of arms, sus
pended from a garter, and beneath, is inscribed Renovata
a. d. MDCCXX VII. Higher, on the building, are the
arms of old France and England, quarterly, between those
of the city of York ; there being over each shield, a small
gothic canopy. On the city side, are the arms of France
and England, quarterly. The inspection of this timehonoured
monument, cannot fail to excite spirit-stirring
recollections in the minds of those who love to muse
upon departed days.—Ten thousand squadrons have rode
beneath thee !—Kings and conquerors, with plumed war
riors, arrayed in gleaming mail, have, by their bugle's
blast, summoned thy gates to open !—Bishops, mitred
abbots, and lord cardinals have passed in gorgeous pro
cession through thee !—Roman cohorts, Norwegian and
Danish hordes, the plaided clans of Caledonia, and fiery
Norman hosts have alternately vexed or gladdened thee !—
And these for ages have slept in their mother earth.
TOalmgate 33ar anfc barbican.
This bar is the only one which retains its barbican ; and
both bar and barbican are now in the best state of repair;
£500 having been voted for their restoration, in the year
1840, by the corporation;—Sir W. S. Clark, Lord Mayor.
This bar is of the age of Edward I. and the barbican of
the date of Edward III. The lower part of the bar is
built of grit, which bespeaks its great age ; the barbican
is evidently of a later date, for the gateway has the pointed