Restoration At Bootham Bar in York

Anyone who’s ever wandered through York knows the city walls are a massive part of its character. They’re not just old stones; they tell the story of the city’s long and amazing history. So, when part of them needs a bit of TLC, it’s a pretty big deal. Right now, a special team is working hard on a roof conservation project at Bootham Bar, one of the main gateways. And it’s not just about fixing a leaky roof—they’ve found a little piece of history tucked away inside, connecting them to the workers who came before them.

Keeping a very old roof over your head

So, what exactly is happening up on the historic walls? The main job for the York City Council’s team is sorting out the roof on Bootham Bar. For a while now, it’s been letting in a bit of water, which is a big no-no for a building that’s hundreds of years old.

This isn’t just a quick patch-up job. The team of skilled stonemasons and experts in ancient monuments are carefully working to:

• Preserve the old lead and timber roof covering.
• Save as much of the original wooden structure as possible, only replacing bits that are beyond repair.
• Make sure the gateway is safe and sound, protecting York’s medieval heritage for future generations.

Think of it like restoring a classic painting. You don’t just slap a new coat of paint on it. It takes a huge amount of care and craftsmanship to keep the original spirit alive. This roof conservation work is all about that level of detail, ensuring the walls of York stand strong for years to come.

A secret message through the generations

Here’s where the story gets really lovely. While working on the Bootham Bar roof, the team found something unexpected: a handwritten note left by a stonemason named Mick Colley, who worked on the very same walls 46 years ago. Imagine finding a message from someone who stood exactly where you are, doing the same job, but almost half a century earlier. It’s a direct link to the past.

This discovery shows the deep legacy of the people who look after the city walls. It’s a continuous story of pride and dedication passed down through generations. To honour this connection, the current team of stonemasons have decided to continue the tradition. They’ve placed a team photo and their own message back into the walls, right alongside Mick’s note. One of the stonemasons, Bailey Innes, was pictured carefully placing the items back into the structure, creating a new time capsule. It’s a beautiful way of saying, “we were here, and we took care of this place.” It’s a testament to the enduring human side of preserving history.

The people protecting York’s heritage

This project is more than just bricks and mortar (or stone and timber). It's about the people who pour their skills and passion into it. Cllr Pete Kilbane, Deputy Leader of the City Council, highlighted just how important this is:

“This is more than just a historical curiosity—it’s a tribute to the generations of skilled workers who’ve cared for our city’s heritage. We’re proud of the craftsmanship that’s kept York’s walls standing, and grateful to those who continue that legacy today.”

His words really get to the heart of it. The amazing craftsmanship is what keeps these ancient monuments standing. Liam Dennis, the Ancient Monuments Manager, feels the weight and wonder of this history every day:

“The history of the city walls stretches through all the periods of York. Being able to care for this heritage and ensure it’s preserved for future generations is just fantastic. There might even be a team photo going back into the walls with names on the back—so next time someone replaces the roof, they’ll find us there.”

It’s a powerful thought, isn't it? That another team, perhaps 50 years from now, will find that team photo and feel that same connection. This thoughtful act ensures the legacy continues. This project update confirms the ongoing commitment to protecting York's unique character.

Staying open for business (and bikes)

Of course, doing major work on a historic landmark in a busy city can be tricky. The City Council has been working to make sure there's as little disruption as possible for local businesses, pedestrians, and cyclists. Nobody wants their daily route blocked off.

Here’s how they’re managing it:

• Vehicles and cyclists needing to make deliveries will still have access.
• The pedestrian arch under Bootham Bar is staying open throughout the work.
• A temporary ramp is in place for wheelchair and mobility scooter users.
• Cyclists can hop off their bikes and push them through the pedestrian arch if they want.

It’s a practical approach that shows care for the community. And the good news is, as the project nears its completion, the scaffolding on Bootham Bar will be coming down this month. The project has been a great example of blending essential conservation with modern city life, safeguarding the past for all future generations to enjoy. The story of the walls of York continues, with new chapters written by today's dedicated stonemasons.