39 
leaving the projecting fracture of the old wall just as we see it 
now, excepting that it has been concealed from view by the 
adjoining house, which has been so recently removed. 
The Council would repeat the hope that advantage will be 
taken in the future of opportunities, as they may occur, to 
extend the open space along the line of this fine old wall. 
The statement of account is printed on page 41. 
(On behalf of the Council), 
ARTHUR PIT RE Y CUST. 
C. A. MIL WARD. 
RICHARD THOMPSON. 
THE PRESERVATION OF THE ABBEY WALLS 
AT YORK. 
OPENING! OUT OF MARYGATE TOWER. 
The demolition of the old houses which have hitherto hidden the 
greater part of the tower standing at the junction of Marygate and 
Bootham is now almost accomplished, and the structure which 
anciently formed part of the defensive works of St. Mary’s Abbey, 
appears fully exposed to view. The property thus removed was 
acquired by means of a fund raised under the auspices of the York¬ 
shire Philosophical Society for the purpose of uncovering the walls 
when and where opportunity offered. The tower just opened out 
possesses a special interest, for it formed the centre of one of the 
most thrilling episodes that occurred during the siege of the city by 
the Parliamentarians during the Civil War. Its erection dates 
from the thirteenth century. In consequence of certain conflicts 
between the retainers of the abbot of St. Mary’s and the citizens, 
relative to their respective jurisdictions and privileges, which 
occurred in 1262, the abbot solicited the king to allow him to build 
a wall on each unprotected side of the abbey. The request was 
granted, and the high walls extending along Bootham and Marygate, 
great part of which remains, were erected. They were constructed 
as a complete fortification with battlements, and a wooden gallery 
within, and towers at certain distances. The works were completed 
in 1266, and the defences of the abbev at that time have been 
particularised as follows From Bootham Bar to Marygate Tower, 
194 yards; from Marygate Tower to the West Tower abutting on 
