Micklegate is a historic street in the city of York, England. It means Great Street in Old Norse, and was the main entrance to the city from the south.
Micklegate has been the site of many important events and buildings, such as
Micklegate Bar, the most important of York’s four medieval gateways, and the focus for grand events. It was the royal entrance to the city, and the place where the severed heads of rebels and traitors were displayed. The lower section of the bar dates from the 12th century, and the top two storeys from the 14th.
Holy Trinity Church, a parish church of the Church of England, dating from the 12th century. It has a Norman nave, a 15th-century tower, and a 17th-century chancel. It also contains some medieval stained glass and monuments.
The Priory of the Holy Trinity, a Benedictine monastery founded in the 11th century, and dissolved in the 16th century. It was located on the south side of Micklegate, and its remains can still be seen in Priory Street.
The Bar Convent, the oldest surviving Roman Catholic convent in England, founded in 1686. It is now a museum, a guest house, and a conference centre. It has a 19th-century Gothic chapel, a library, and a collection of religious artefacts.
The Micklegate Run, a traditional soapbox race held every August bank holiday since 1964. It involves teams of amateur racers competing in homemade carts down the steep slope of Micklegate. It attracts thousands of spectators and raises money for charity.
Micklegate is also known for its Georgian architecture, its views of the river Ouse, and its lively nightlife. It has many pubs, restaurants, and clubs, and is popular with locals and tourists alike
Micklegate is one of the most handsome and rewarding streets in York, and has a rich and varied history.