Barker Tower

Medieval Gateway and River Defence

Barker Tower stands as a remarkable survivor of York's medieval defences, built in the early 14th century on the western bank of the River Ouse. Constructed at the junction where the river met the medieval city centre, the tower was strategically positioned to work in conjunction with Lendal Tower on the opposite bank. A massive iron chain was stretched between the two towers to control river traffic entering the city, serving dual purposes: defending York against potential attacks through the river gap in the city walls, and collecting tolls from boats seeking passage. The earliest recorded keeper of this chain was Thomas Smyth in 1380, with a fee of four pennies initially charged for entry. The tower's circular design, typical of 14th-century military architecture, made it an effective defensive position while its riverside location ensured complete control over water-based commerce.

Commerce, Ferries, and the Toll System

For centuries, Barker Tower functioned as a vital commercial checkpoint. Boats travelling downstream faced a particularly expensive journey, encountering tolls from St Mary's Abbey's own tower further upstream before reaching Barker Tower's chain. The tower was leased to various ferrymen—including at least one woman—who operated a passenger ferry service across the Ouse, running reliably through all seasons and weather conditions. Historical records note the ferry operated "in summer and winter, fair weather and foul, Sundays and weekdays," demonstrating the essential nature of this crossing before Lendal Bridge was constructed in 1863. The ferry's closure marked the end of an era, though the tower itself continued to serve the city in various capacities.

Origins of the Name and Tanning Heritage

The tower's distinctive name derives from its proximity to Tanner Row, where York's leather workers processed hides. The tanning industry required constant access to water, making the riverside location ideal for extracting tannin from oak bark—the very material that gave the tower its name. Barkers, or tanners, would have worked extensively near the tower, processing bark for the leather trade. This connection to York's medieval crafts and industries reveals how the tower was embedded within the city's economic life, serving not merely as a defensive structure but as a landmark within a thriving commercial district.

Transformation and Unusual Uses

Following the construction of Lendal Bridge in 1863, Barker Tower lost its primary function as a ferry station, yet the building proved adaptable. In the 19th century, it was repurposed as a mortuary—a curious and somewhat macabre chapter in its history. The tower was re-roofed in the 17th century and underwent alterations in 1840, with significant restoration work completed in 1970. Its original crenellations, which would have given it a castle-like appearance, were converted into small windows just below the roof, subtly altering its silhouette while preserving its essential character.

Present-Day Character and Setting

Today, Barker Tower retains much of its original medieval appearance, standing as a tangible link to York's 14th-century past. The tower now houses the Perky Peacock café, a welcoming establishment serving cakes and coffee to visitors and locals alike. Its location near Lendal Bridge and close to Museum Gardens, the Multangular Tower, and York Art Gallery makes it an accessible waypoint along York's historic routes. Flooding occasionally isolates the tower from the surrounding Memorial Gardens and riverbank, a reminder of its ancient relationship with the River Ouse. The structure remains a scheduled ancient monument and Grade I listed building, protected and maintained as part of York's irreplaceable medieval heritage.