KNOCK on any door in York and it is likely to be answered by an historian.

Not necessarily a professor of medieval studies, or the world expert on Victorian corsetry. But someone who knows a thing or two about the many layers of this city's past.

It is astonishing how much historical expertise resides in the homes of police officers, plumbers, printers and portrait painters. York's history is our history, and young and old take pride in knowing their share.

Now a group of city entrepreneurs want to tap into that hidden archive.

Three years ago, six friends started work on a concise, reader-friendly history of York. The result, the York Book, was published in November 2002.

It was a tremendous success. The simplicity of the format, an A-Z with each of the 750 entries not exceeding 200 words, made the York Book a one-stop shop for those seeking information from pre-Roman times to the Millennium.

At the time, the six friends were sure their historical journey was not at an end. They wanted readers to contact them with omissions, amendments and suggestions.

That process is being taken a step further today. Work on the second edition is underway, and the publishers want the people of York to become contributors.

"Obviously York is an ever-changing city, and rarely a day passes without something happening which is worthy of inclusion," says editor Antonia Evans.

"Ever since we first published the book we have been busy compiling a file of local news, newspaper cuttings and potential updates."

Antonia says the proposed development of Hungate, Royal Ascot coming to York and the first Roman Festival last summer were examples of worthy new inclusions.

Fellow contributor Mike Bennett has also been busy compiling potential new entries - some of them far removed from the "typical" York history of chocolate and churches.

"The death of Joe Strummer of the Clash in December 2002 reminded me that the band actually busked in York in 1985," says Mike.

"I think they're certainly worth an inclusion."

Similarly, York band Shed Seven's entry should now mention their 2003 farewell concerts.

Both Mike and Antonia agree that the scope for new entries and amendments in a second edition is considerable.

"People frequently say to me how useful they find the book, and suggest material that could be in future editions," says Antonia.

"We thought it as well to throw it open to the people of York, and let them make their contributions."

Anyone who can help is asked to email information to info@yorkbook.co.uk. Alternatively write to 83 Albemarle Road, York YO23 1EP.

You can also visit the website at www.yorkbook.co.uk where the original edition is available to order.

Mike says: "It would be pleasing to think that a fully updated York Book will exist for many years.

"Who knows, perhaps in the years to come a first edition could become a collector's item."

Meanwhile Mike, who is also runs the Richard III Museum in Monk Bar, has uncovered a rare picture. It shows Monk Bar's medieval portcullis.

"When visitors ask about the portcullis, museum staff inform them that it was last lowered in 1953 for the coronation.

"Queen Elizabeth was not actually crowned until June 2 1953. I've always assumed that photographs were taken in 1953, though I've never seen any," he says.

The photograph Mike came across dates from March 3 1914. Monk Bar was occupied as a police house until 1914, although Mike is uncertain on what date it was vacated.

The photograph certainly pre-dates the First World War, which began on August 4.

The portcullis is the only intact one in York's four main bars, and dates from the 14th century.

"Looking at it, it seems likely that the oak has been periodically restored, though the metal bolts do look largely original," he says.

Visitors to the Richard III Museum are still able to operate the portcullis's mechanism, and it could be lowered if necessary.

The only problem is that when it was lowered in 1953 it is said to have stuck, and it took several hours to raise.

Mike is keen to hear from anyone who has pictures of the lowered portcullis, especially showing it in 1953.

He is also interested in any information about Monk Bar's general history in the last century. You can contact him at the museum on (01904) 634191.

Updated: 09:18 Monday, April 12, 2004