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Yorkshire And The Humber

Victoria Bar

Yorkshire And The Humber

York

Victoria Bar

Highlight • Historical Site

Victoria Bar

Name: Victoria Bar
Rating: 2

Recommended by 16 hikers

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Location: York, Yorkshire And The Humber, England, United Kingdom

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Best Hikes to Victoria Bar

4.7

(60)

851

hikers

1. Historic Centre of York – York City Walls loop from York

7.95km

02:03

40m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.8

(47)

742

hikers

2. York City Walls – York City Walls loop from Leeman Road

7.40km

01:54

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

4.5

(13)

285

hikers

3. Ouse Bridge – York Millennium Bridge loop from York

10.1km

02:36

50m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Tips

mkirby

May 15, 2024

Victoria Bar is a relatively recent addition to York's City Walls, built in 1838 to address traffic congestion. Unlike the older gateways, Victoria Bar has a simpler design. It was named after Queen Victoria, who was crowned that same year. Initially, the Bar had only one archway for both vehicles and pedestrians. However, as traffic increased, two side arches were added specifically for pedestrians.

The construction of Victoria Bar unearthed the remains of an older, hidden gateway called Lounelith Gate. Dating back to the 12th century, the name "Lounelith" translates to "hidden or obscure gate," reflecting its forgotten past.

An inscription on Victoria Bar mentions George Hudson, who served as Lord Mayor during its construction. Hudson was a prominent figure in the railway industry, earning the nickname "The Railway King" for his success. However, his career was marred by controversy and ultimately ended in bankruptcy and imprisonment for debt.

RichD

June 7, 2025

Victoria Bar was opened in 1838 'in consequence of the increased population in Nunnery Lane and the surrounding area' after a petition of 1831 to have a gate here. In its construction it was found 'that at some early period there had been a sort of arched gateway 8 ft. wide and 6 ft. 6 inches high. It, however, had evidently been closed in great haste, probably prior to some hostile attack on the city. The opening at the interior had been closed with very large stones, each placed on its edge and not flat—behind this had been wooden piles to strengthen them—and against them on the inner side a large quantity of earth.' This find was presumably the Lounelith of 12th-century documents, a name meaning 'the hidden or obscure gate' in contrast to Micklelith, 'the great gate'.

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Elevation 60 m

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Tuesday 25 November

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Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

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See hikes here

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Location: York, Yorkshire And The Humber, England, United Kingdom

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Victoria Bar

1. Historic Centre of York – York City Walls loop from York

2. York City Walls – York City Walls loop from Leeman Road

3. Ouse Bridge – York Millennium Bridge loop from York

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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