THERE were queues out of the doors from the interior of a rarely seen Tudor tower in York today (August 10).

Fishergate Postern Tower in Piccadilly is open for one of the 21 days of the year that volunteers from The Friends of York Walls show it to the public.

Bill Hill, chair of the Friends, said the four-floor structure, built around 1505 has been largely untouched overall since the time it first went up and contains many original masons' marks.

The present roof was probably added by 1600.

Built as a watchtower and store, the tower would have defended what would have been the south of York at the time construction took place.

Visitors from home and abroad were given a potted history from Bill and a team of volunteers on each floor of the structure, which include a narrow spiral staircase.

Bill said the stone example would have replaced a wooden version which was less resistant to attacks from various factions.

The entrance to the GarderobeThe entrance to the Garderobe (Image: Kevin Glenton)

Volunteers added that the public are most fascinated by the Garderobe, or toilet, which today looks out onto Piccadilly, but said this would have been part of the River Foss 400 years ago.

Fishergate Postern Tower is open today (August 10) until 4pm and entrance is free.

There are seven more open days in 2024 and more information can be found at www.yorkwalls.org.uk