October 23rd 2015
A report has been made to York Council’s Learning and Culture Scrutiny committee (October 2015) on the future of the city’s 3.4 km of ancient walls following 18 months of detailed assessment to determine which areas require immediate attention.
A Scheduled Ancient Monument, Grade 1 listed building and world heritage site, the city or ‘bar’ walls of York are the longest and most complete example of medieval city walls still standing in England.
Whilst identifying the walls as a “critical part of the cultural resource of the city”, the report also highlight their sadly neglect in terms of maintenance and a dedicated workforce.
According to report author, Councillor Keith Myers the true potential value the walls represent to the local economy is being overlooked: “The walls are 1,000 years older than the Minster, but it seems because there is no admission fee there is nothing to market them as an attraction.
“The oldest part of masonry in York, the Multangular Tower, is effectively 2,000 years old, and is lost in the museum gardens, with almost no signs pointing it out”
The report calls for a detailed review to maximise this unique asset and fund a program of restoration and refurbishment including visitor enhancements such as disabled access, more park land and a visitor centre specifically showcasing the walls.
Met has recently undertaken laser scanning of sections of the city wall and surveyed the Museum Gardens as the base for new design and restoration. We were then called back to provide setting out services for the new garden design which will hopefully showcase many historic and archaeological treasures.