Micklegate Bar is the royal entrance to the city of York and most of England’s sovereigns (notable exceptions include Richard I and Henry VIII) have entered the city through Micklegate Bar. As a result of this royal connection, and its southerly aspect, Micklegate became the most important of the city’s bars. It is also famous for its role in dealing with treachery and treason; many traitors have been executed and had their head displayed on Micklegate Bar to deter other would-be traitors including Richards Duke of York and various other members of the nobility. A museum tells the story of the bar.