Soap shop plans approved for medieval city gate

A gatehouse within York's ancient city walls is to be converted into a shop following a successful planning application.

Monk Bar on Goodramgate will house a business run by the owners of The Yorkshire Soap Company, which also runs York's Imaginarium and The Society of Alchemists in the Shambles.

The Grade I-listed building has been empty since the Richard III Experience museum closed in 2020.

An application by The Yorkshire Soap Company said it was a well-established local business with a proven track record of operating sensitively in historic buildings.

"The special historic character of Monk Bar perfectly complements the applicant's brand and reputation for high quality goods and service, while their experience of operating within sensitive historic buildings would ensure the significant conservation value of Monk Bar is preserved," it said.

Monk Bar was built in the early 14th Century and is the tallest of the four gatehouses along York's walls.

In November, City of York Council granted permission for an art gallery to be housed in Micklegate Bar, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

That gatehouse previously housed the Henry VII Experience, the companion attraction to Monk Bar's Richard III Experience, which also closed in the Covid pandemic.

Both were run by York Archaeology, the operator of Jorvik Viking Centre and the Barley Hall.

One objection was lodged against the application, which raised concerns about accessibility and claimed the space was only suitable for a museum.

In support, one commentator said the structure was currently surrounded by scaffolding and its roof was leaking.

The Yorkshire Soap Company's plans stated the shop would bring an important historic building back into use.

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