There has been a gateway here for nearly 2000 years, Bootham
Bar being on the site of one of the four main entrances to the
Roman fortress.  The archway itself dates from the 11th century
and the rest of the structure is largely from the 14th century.
In 1501 a door knocker was installed as Scots were required
to knock first and seek permission from the Lord Mayor to
enter the city.  The bar was damaged during the siege of
York in 1644 and, like Micklegate Bar, was sometimes
used to display the heads of traitors.

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