Stonegate & Minster Gates
by MJ Braithwaite
Many of the streets in York are called "Gates". Once the Via Praetoria of the Roman city of Eboracum, Stonegate is one of the most famous streets in York, from the Mansion House and Guildhall, continuing through Minster Gates to the Rose Window and South Transept of York Minster. Stonegate derives its name from the fact that it was a Roman paved street.
"Minster Gates" was the entrance to the city from the cathedral. In 1285, Edward I granted a licence to the Dean and Chapter to enclose the Minster precinct with a gated wall. These gates were to be closed at night, purportedly for the "prevention of nocturnal incursions of thieves" from the Minster Close; legend, however, has it that they were equally to prevent the nocturnal excursions of the young clergy, to the temptingly close Grope (now Grape) Lane! These walls have long ago been destroyed, but the name remains.
The original picture, painted, in acrylic on canvas, in 2000, was commissioned by Inglis' Jeweller, shown on the left of the picture. The figure ouside the shop is that of the owner of Inglis', and the couple in the street, looking into Inglis' window, are family friends who were about to be married at the time the picture was painted! |
