York City Walls are of exceptional significance on account of their long and unique history and their historic and continuing relevance to, and impact on, the culture, society, economy and environment of the City of York and its wider, universal contexts.

The most complete and up-to-date gazetteer of the City Walls was produced by the Royal Commission on Historical Monuments England (RCHME) in 1972. In the years since this publication, the walls have been subject to an ongoing programme of repairs and restoration, including significant work to Micklegate Bar, Bootham Bar, Monk Bar and Walmgate Bar.