Changing faces; changing fortunes: Fossgate and Walmgate

Dr Peter Gouldsborough, of the University of York and a member of the Trust’s Planning Committee, will lead this walking tour, in which the story of Fossgate and Walmgate will be told through the people and the buildings which have shaped its history.  Fossgate and Walmgate was one of four routes into the Roman City of Eboracum, this via its south-east gateway, the Porta principalis sinisra which was situated in present-day King’s Square.

Only in the medieval period did any coherent urban form begin to emerge along this route; however, disease, deprivation and squalour seemed to have been rife at this time; York had six hospitals during this period and even in the 1800s there were three hospitals on these two streets alone.   But this story is not just about deprivation and disease, it is just as much about philanthropy, commerce, improvement and shifting populations, all of which have helped to change the face of these two streets – this route – and its fortunes.  Only in the late-twentieth and twenty-first centuries have fortunes really turned, to produce the vibrant economy and diversity we see in the face, and in the faces, of this part of the modern city of York.

Meet inside Walmgate Bar at 10.30am

Walk duration 60 to 90 minutes

 Cost £10

This event has SOLD OUT if you would like to be placed on a waiting list, please email info@yorkcivictrust.co.uk