Murderous Micklegate!

‘Sometimes it’s just true that other people have better ideas for your life than you do’
~ Elizabeth York

To the Parish Church of St Mary Bishophill

Micklegate, Micklelith or the ‘Great Street’ if you are familiar with a little Old Norse dialect is a street in the City of York and is dominated by the medieval magnificence that is the Micklegate Bar.

With the Lord Mayor’s permission, the entrance gate of Micklegate Bar as the southern entrance into the city has welcomed a number of reigning monarchs throughout York’s long, illustrious AND bloody history as the gate has also been the proud display wall for the severed heads of York’s traitors and rebels including one Duke of York and more than a few Peers of the Realm!

Fortunately for the more genteel folk of the city – the remaining severed heads were finally removed in 1754.

Although Micklegate was famously known for ‘The Micklegate Run’ in a nod to the sheer number of bars and clubs which were once dotted throughout this long and winding street – it was also the birthplace in 1803 of Joseph Aloysius Hansom the prolific Gothic architect and inventor of the ‘hansom cab’.

Although still home a number of quaint pubs, Micklegate is also home to a former medieval Benedictine priory church, the Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar, a wonderful old bookshop, some impressive Georgian architecture and a divine fish and chip shop!

For those of a curious and hardy temperament – why not come along and listen to the Lady Brigante one Thursday evening as she shares with you the tales of those ordinary folk including the story of flighty wife, the quiet couple, a mysterious visitor and one terrible discovery.

And ALL lost to history – until now!

However, for those of a sensitive nature who are averse to real stories of tears, heartache and tragedy – a walk with the Lady B one Thursday evening may NOT be to your taste.