Fishergate Postern Tower: York’s Historic Defensive Sentinel
Explore Fishergate Postern Tower, a beautifully preserved medieval gatehouse guarding York’s ancient city walls since the early 1500s.
Fishergate Postern Tower is a well-preserved, Grade I listed medieval tower built between 1504 and 1507 as part of York’s ancient city walls. Originally replacing the 14th-century Talkan Tower, it served as a defensive postern gate and later a dovecote. The tower features distinctive architectural elements such as a pointed arch postern with a portcullis slot, clasping buttresses, and a historic roof dating from the 16th or 17th century. It offers visitors a glimpse into York’s fortified past and panoramic views from its upper floors.
A brief summary to Fishergate Postern Tower
- Piccadilly, York, YO1 9AF, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear sturdy footwear as the tower’s spiral staircase can be narrow and steep.
- Visit on a clear day to enjoy panoramic views from the top floor.
- Look out for the medieval garderobe on the mezzanine floor, a rare surviving feature.
- Check opening times in advance as access can be limited and volunteer-run.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Number 12 or 13 bus from York city center towards Fishergate; the journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day, and a single adult fare costs around £2.50. The stop is a short walk from the tower, but note that service frequency reduces in the evenings.
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Walking
From York city center, it is a 20-25 minute walk to Fishergate Postern Tower along mostly flat, paved streets. The route is accessible for most fitness levels and wheelchair users, with some pedestrian crossings along the way.
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Taxi
A taxi ride from York railway station to Fishergate Postern Tower takes about 7-10 minutes depending on traffic, costing approximately £6-£10. Taxis are readily available at the station and can be booked in advance.
Fishergate Postern Tower location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Fishergate Postern Tower
Origins and Historical Significance
Fishergate Postern Tower stands as a testament to York’s rich medieval heritage, constructed between 1504 and 1507 to replace the earlier Talkan Tower from the 14th century. The original tower, likely named after Robert Talkan, a mayor in 1399, was repaired in the mid-15th century before being superseded by the current structure. The decision to build a "substantial postern" at Fishergate reflected the city’s strategic need to strengthen its defenses at this vulnerable point near the river Foss, where water once filled the moat and formed a natural barrier. Historical records show rent increases and leases that confirm the transition from Talkan Tower to Fishergate Postern Tower, highlighting its importance in York’s defensive network.Architectural Features and Evolution
This four-storey tower is built primarily of ashlar masonry and is characterized by a pointed arch postern with four chamfered orders and a portcullis slot, evidencing its defensive function. The tower originally featured battlements and was embattled, with a moulded plinth and clasping buttresses at two corners, one incorporating a projecting garderobe (medieval toilet) on the first floor. The roof, with queen posts, clasped purlins, and high collars, dates from the 16th or early 17th century, replacing earlier forms and providing the upper floor needed for its use as a dovecote by 1636. The tower’s structure and roof have remained remarkably intact through restorations in 1838 and 1960, preserving its historic character.Role Within York’s City Walls
Fishergate Postern Tower marks the end of the city walls at Fishergate, an area historically protected by the flooded river Foss, which created a natural defensive lake known as the King’s Fishpond. The tower’s position was strategic, guarding a postern gate that allowed controlled access through the walls. It was part of a wider network of fortifications that included bars and towers, integral to York’s medieval defenses against invasions and unrest. The tower’s continued maintenance and use, including its leasing and artillery assignments in the 16th century, underscore its ongoing military relevance.Visitor Experience and Interior Highlights
Visitors to Fishergate Postern Tower can explore its multiple floors connected by a spiral staircase, offering insight into medieval military architecture and daily life. The mezzanine floor houses the ancient garderobe, famously positioned to empty onto the street below, a vivid reminder of medieval sanitation. The top floor provides panoramic views over York’s cityscape and the surrounding area, enriching the historical experience. Informative displays and occasional volunteer guides enhance understanding of the tower’s significance within York’s defensive history.Preservation and Cultural Importance
As a Grade I listed building, Fishergate Postern Tower is protected for its exceptional architectural and historic interest. Its preservation allows visitors and scholars alike to appreciate the craftsmanship and strategic ingenuity of York’s medieval fortifications. The tower also features in local heritage events, connecting the public with York’s past and the stories embedded in its ancient walls. Its enduring presence contributes to the city’s identity as a place where history is visibly layered and accessible.Setting and Surroundings
Situated on Piccadilly near the city center, the tower stands prominently beside the city walls, close to where the river Foss once flowed and the King’s Fishpond was located. The surrounding area blends York’s medieval urban fabric with modern city life, offering a unique juxtaposition of past and present. The tower’s location makes it a compelling focal point for exploring York’s historic defenses and the evolution of its urban landscape over centuries.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Walmgate Bar
0.4 km
York’s most complete medieval gatehouse, with the only surviving town gate barbican in England and a quirky coffee house inside its ancient walls.
The Stonebow
0.5 km
A historic gateway blending medieval charm and architectural evolution at York’s vibrant city heart.
St Crux
0.5 km
Explore the echoes of medieval York at St Crux, where a grand church’s legacy lives on in a historic parish hall and poignant tales of martyrdom.
Ouse Bridge
0.5 km
Historic Ouse Bridge in York spans the River Ouse, blending medieval heritage with 19th-century architecture and city life.
Parliament St
0.6 km
York's vibrant shopping street where Victorian commerce meets medieval heritage and market tradition.
The York Ghost Merchants
0.6 km
Explore a unique blend of York's ghostly history and charming souvenirs at The York Ghost Merchants, your destination for eerie collectibles.
Ghost Hunt of York
0.6 km
Explore the haunted streets of York with the Ghost Hunt, where history and the supernatural collide in an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
Roman Bath
0.7 km
Discover ancient Roman baths beneath a lively York pub, blending history and hospitality in the heart of the city.
St Anthonys Garden
0.7 km
Explore St Anthony's Garden in York, a serene retreat filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers, perfect for relaxation and contemplation.
Peregrine Falcon Mural
0.7 km
A vibrant community-inspired mural celebrating York's heritage, featuring a peregrine falcon and local voices.
Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate
0.8 km
Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Holy Trinity Church in York, a captivating Anglican landmark and must-visit tourist attraction.
The Deathly Dark Tours
0.8 km
Unearth the chilling tales of York's past with The Deathly Dark Tours, where ghostly legends and history intertwine for an unforgettable adventure.
York Mansion House
0.8 km
Explore York Mansion House, a Georgian gem in the heart of York, showcasing the rich history and elegant lifestyle of the 18th century.
Barley Hall
0.8 km
Discover the rich history of York at Barley Hall, a beautifully restored medieval townhouse showcasing life in the 15th century.
Bedern Hall
0.8 km
Experience the enchanting Bedern Hall in York, a perfect venue that beautifully blends history and elegance for unforgettable weddings and events.
Unmissable attractions to see
Dick Turpins grave
0.1 km
Discover the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin’s final resting place in York’s historic St George’s Churchyard, steeped in legend and 18th-century intrigue.
Fishergate Bar
0.1 km
Discover the historical significance and architectural beauty of Fishergate Bar, a captivating landmark in York rich with stories and charm.
York Castle Museum
0.1 km
Step back in time at York Castle Museum, where historic prison walls and a vibrant Victorian street bring York’s rich past vividly to life.
York Barbican
0.2 km
York's premier indoor entertainment venue hosting world-class concerts, comedy, sports, and conferences.
St Denys's Church, York
0.3 km
Explore the serene beauty and historical significance of St Denys's Church, a must-visit Anglican church in the heart of York, England.
Clifford's Tower, York
0.3 km
Explore York’s iconic Clifford's Tower, a historic fortress with panoramic city views and a millennium of dramatic history.
Tower Gardens
0.3 km
A serene, shaded garden by the River Ouse offering peaceful riverside views and a quiet escape near York’s historic Clifford’s Tower.
Walmgate
0.3 km
Explore Walmgate, York’s historic street where medieval defenses meet centuries of industrial heritage and urban life.
Skeldergate Bridge
0.3 km
A Victorian Gothic iron bridge offering scenic River Ouse views and a glimpse into York’s rich industrial heritage.
Skeldergate Bridge & Bishopgate St
0.3 km
Historic Victorian Gothic Revival bridge over the River Ouse, blending York’s past with scenic riverside charm and modern social spaces.
York Army Museum
0.3 km
Explore centuries of Yorkshire military history through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences at York Army Museum.
The Royal Dragoon Guards Museum and Regimental Association
0.3 km
Three centuries of cavalry heritage preserved in York's historic heart, where personal stories meet military grandeur.
Fairfax House
0.3 km
Step into the refined world of Georgian York at Fairfax House, a stunningly preserved townhouse showcasing exquisite 18th-century art, architecture, and history.
Brew York
0.4 km
York’s flagship craft brewery with a vibrant beer hall, riverside garden, and immersive brewery tours in the heart of the city.
Merchant Adventurers' Hall
0.4 km
Step into York’s medieval past at the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, a stunning timber-framed guildhall alive with history, commerce, and community spirit.
Essential places to dine
Tabanco By Ambiente
0.3 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and sherry in a warm, inviting atmosphere at Tabanco By Ambiente in York’s historic Walmgate.
Il Paradiso Del Cibo
0.3 km
A lively, cash-only Italian gem on Walmgate, serving authentic Sardinian-style pizzas, pastas, and hearty meat dishes in a bustling, family-run setting.
31 Castlegate Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience refined modern European dining in the historic heart of York, blending seasonal flavors with warm hospitality.
The Olive Tree
0.3 km
Authentic Mediterranean flavors and fresh seasonal dishes in the heart of historic York, near Clifford’s Tower.
Rustique Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience authentic French flavors and vibrant bistro charm at Rustique, York’s beloved French restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and great value.
The Blue Barbakan
0.4 km
Experience hearty Polish classics and warm hospitality in York’s vibrant Fossgate at The Blue Barbakan.
Ambiente Tapas Fossgate
0.4 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant atmosphere in York’s stylish Ambiente Tapas Fossgate, perfect for sharing, sipping, and socializing.
Cosy Club
0.5 km
Historic charm meets stylish dining and cocktails in York’s iconic Cosy Club on Fossgate, perfect for all-day indulgence and special celebrations.
Pavement Vaults
0.5 km
Experience York’s vibrant grill and bar scene with generous smoked meats, craft beers, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere at Pavement Vaults.
Marzano Italian & Grill
0.5 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of York’s vibrant Fossgate district.
Corner Grill House
0.5 km
Award-winning Yorkshire steakhouse serving premium beef and local ingredients in York's vibrant city centre.
Ate O'Clock
0.5 km
Enchanting modern British dining in York’s fairy-lit alley, blending classic flavors with stylish charm and warm hospitality.
Wine Stories
0.6 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and an extensive wine selection in the cozy heart of York’s historic center at Wine Stories.
Valhalla York
0.6 km
Experience hearty Viking-inspired tapas, unique ales, and a lively atmosphere at Valhalla York in the heart of the city.
Casa Brazilian Rodizio
0.7 km
Experience authentic Brazilian rodizio dining with expertly grilled meats and vibrant flavors in the heart of York’s city centre.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fenwick York
0.3 km
Discover luxury fashion, beauty, and homeware at Fenwick York, a boutique department store nestled in the heart of Coppergate Centre.
Expressions
0.3 km
Discover unique vintage American sportswear and retro styles at Expressions, York’s friendly and authentic vintage clothing shop on historic Walmgate.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.4 km
Scandinavian creativity meets quirky British charm in this beloved gift and lifestyle shop.
Dog & Bone Vintage
0.4 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique homewares in York’s charming Dog & Bone Vintage, where style meets sustainability across two floors.
Give The Dog A Bone
0.5 km
Discover York’s quirky gift haven with two floors of unique treasures, from funky homeware to pop culture collectibles on historic Fossgate.
York Souvenir's
0.5 km
Discover authentic York treasures and charming souvenirs at this friendly, independent gift shop in the heart of York.
Gift Gallery
0.6 km
Discover unique gifts and charming souvenirs in the heart of York’s historic Shambles, where tradition meets thoughtful shopping.
Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts
0.6 km
Discover quirky, unique gifts and playful treasures in the heart of York’s historic Shambles at Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts.
Pride of York Souvenirs
0.6 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs in the heart of the historic Shambles at Pride of York Souvenirs.
Greybear
0.6 km
Discover timeless vintage treasures and unique gifts in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Greybear Vintage Gifts.
Take One Gifts
0.6 km
Explore Take One Gifts in York for unique souvenirs, artisan crafts, and memorable collectibles reflecting the city's charm.
Barghest
0.6 km
Discover Barghest, a quirky gift shop in York’s historic Shambles, offering unique film, TV, and music merchandise in a medieval setting.
Sterling Souvenirs
0.7 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs at Sterling Souvenirs, your friendly gift shop in the heart of King’s Square.
The Medieval Scribe
0.7 km
Discover unique medieval-inspired crafts and artisanal treasures in the heart of York’s historic Church Street.
Cello by Collectables
0.7 km
Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Dyls
0.3 km
Historic bridge tower café-bar in York offering riverside views, locally sourced brunch, and vegan-friendly delights in a cozy, unique setting.
The Fossgate Social
0.4 km
A lively independent bar and coffee shop on York’s Fossgate, known for craft drinks, specialty coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Plonkers
0.4 km
Family-run riverside wine bar and bistro in York serving home-cooked meals, fine wines, craft beers, and lively live music events since the 1980s.
The Three Tuns
0.5 km
Step into The Three Tuns, a centuries-old timber-framed pub on Coppergate offering historic charm and hearty Yorkshire hospitality in York’s heart.
The Stone Roses Bar
0.5 km
York’s premier indie music bar, blending iconic memorabilia with lively vibes and friendly service in a central city location.
The Hop York
0.5 km
A lively York city centre bar known for its craft beers, stone-baked pizzas, and vibrant live music in a historic Victorian setting.
The Blue Bell
0.5 km
York’s smallest and most beloved Edwardian pub, famed for its authentic atmosphere, quality ales, and warm community spirit.
Golden Fleece York
0.5 km
York’s oldest haunted pub offering historic charm, classic ales, cozy rooms, and a lively social atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Social 8 Lounge
0.5 km
Stylish York lounge bar offering crafted cocktails, small plates, and boozy brunch in a relaxed, elegant setting with a courtyard garden.
Slug & Lettuce York Riverside
0.5 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York offering cocktails, casual dining, and vibrant social vibes with scenic river views.
Tank & Paddle York
0.6 km
Craft beer paradise in York with riverside views, stone-baked pizzas, and 19 screens showing all major sports events.
Pivní York
0.6 km
Historic 16th-century timber-framed pub in York offering an exceptional selection of local and global craft beers in a cosy, multi-floor setting.
Jalou York
0.6 km
Historic church transformed into a vibrant cocktail bar with creative drinks and lively nightlife in the heart of York.
Pitcher & Piano York
0.7 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
Vudu Lounge
0.7 km
York’s eclectic after-hours lounge blending quality cocktails with a lively, quirky nightlife vibe until the early morning.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Kuda
0.4 km
York’s vibrant nightclub offering diverse music, live DJs, and a lively late-night atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Karaoke Rooms (KTV)
0.7 km
Experience lively private karaoke rooms in the heart of York’s vibrant nightlife at Chuandao Karaoke Bar.
BlueBox
0.7 km
York’s premier late-night nightclub, BlueBox pulses with House, Tech House, and Disco beats until dawn in a vibrant city-center setting.
Popworld York
0.7 km
York’s vibrant pop music nightclub with a unique revolving dancefloor and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
Ziggy's Bar & Nightclub
0.8 km
York’s iconic student nightclub offering energetic dance floors, affordable drinks, and a lively atmosphere since the 1980s.
Bar 55 York
0.8 km
York’s exclusive strip club offering sophisticated adult entertainment and premium nightlife in a stylish, historic setting.
Flares - York
0.8 km
Experience York’s ultimate retro nightclub with decades-spanning hits, vibrant dance floors, and an inclusive party atmosphere.
Club Salvation
0.8 km
York’s vibrant nightclub with dual music rooms, lively atmosphere, and fair-priced drinks for an unforgettable night out.
Big Fellas Nightclub
33.1 km
A lively and casual nightclub in Pontefract offering energetic late-night dancing and drinks in a central urban setting.
Arabian Night Lounge
34.0 km
Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
Quadrophenia Night
34.6 km
Rev up for mod anthems, live ska-soul bands, and 60s film vibes at Leeds' ultimate Quadrophenia tribute night—pure energy and rebellion on the dancefloor.
Disco Stu's
34.9 km
Pulse-pounding beats and sticky-floored euphoria on Vicar Lane—Disco Stu's delivers unfiltered Leeds nightlife with affordable drinks and all-night energy.
The Lab Nightclub Leeds
34.9 km
Experience Leeds' electric nightlife at The Lab Nightclub, where music flows smoothly and the party never stops in the heart of the city.
The Key Club
35.0 km
Intimate, no-frills live-music club in central Leeds where punk, indie and alternative acts play close and loud beneath Merrion Street.
Wire
35.1 km
A compact, music-first basement club on Call Lane where tight crowds and a punchy sound system make late-night electronic parties feel immediate and intense.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
