Records show that a friary had been established prior to 1230 because on 13 January 1229-30, Henry III made a grant of fuel to the religious community.

Several notable people were buried at Greyfriars these include Joan of Kent, wife of the Black Prince, who was buried in 1385 at the Greyfriars beside her first husband, Thomas Holland, 1st Earl of Kent, as requested in her will.

After Richard, Duke of York was killed at the Battle of Wakefield in 1460 during the Wars of the Roses, his body was exhumed in 1476 by his son, Edward IV.

The elaborate funeral cortège travelled from Pontefract Castle to a new tomb at Fotheringhay.

[5][6] The gateway is on the Heritage at Risk Register; repairs have been carried out but there are no current plans for the building.