This is the aspect seen from inside the medieval walls.
The information plaque reads; Monk Bar, originally known as Monkgate Bar, derives its name from the monastic community that once lived on the site of the present minster. Built in the early 14th century, Monk Bar was designed to be effective in defence and is the strongest of York's medieval gateways. The Bar has four storeys - the first three floors being 14th century and the upper floor 15th century - which also makes it the tallest of York's Bars.
The Bar contains some interesting features including a working portcullis with its original winding gear (raised and lowered until 1970!), and tiny circular rooms in the turrets where prisoners were held, in particular rebellious Catholics and mutinous apprentices in the 16th century. Before that it was used as a house; in 1435 it was rented to Thomas Pak the master mason of the Minster for 4 shillings a year!
When SE6052 : York. located at SE603520 is moved to this square, the story is that "Mad Alice" was hanged here in 1825, apparently only guilty of being 'mad'. The ghost of Alice reputedly drifts along the lane which once was named after her and features in the city's ghost tour industry.