Westgate Towers: England's Largest Medieval Gate
Encounter the formidable Westgate Towers, England's largest and best-preserved medieval city gate. Built around 1380, this magnificent gateway has stood guard over the western entrance to Canterbury for centuries, inviting exploration of its ancient defenses and offering panoramic city views.
A Formidable Medieval Fortress
Constructed from grey Kentish ragstone under the direction of Archbishop Simon Sudbury, Westgate Towers replaced an earlier Roman gate at this strategically vital location on the road to London. Standing over 60 feet high, the twin-towered gatehouse is a prime example of medieval military architecture. Its defenses include battlements, machicolations for dropping objects on attackers, and arrow slits. In the 15th century, eighteen gun loops were added, making it one of the first structures in England designed to accommodate defensive artillery. The structure is recognized as a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Monument.
A Long and Storied History
The gate was built with a dual purpose: to fortify Canterbury against French raids during the Hundred Years' War and to create an impressive entrance for pilgrims visiting the shrine of St. Thomas Becket. Ironically, its builder, Archbishop Sudbury, was beheaded during the Peasants' Revolt just a year after its completion. From 1453 until the 19th century, the gate served as the City Gaol. One of its most notable prisoners was Robert Cushman, a Puritan who, after being jailed for printing anti-Church literature, went on to organize the Mayflower's voyage in 1620. The Towers' history also includes its use as a lookout during both World Wars and having its wooden doors burned by Parliamentarians during the English Civil War in 1648.
Westgate Towers Today
Today, Westgate Towers functions as a museum and viewpoint. Visitors can explore historical exhibits within its ancient walls and climb to the top for panoramic views of Canterbury. The site also features historically themed escape rooms. The adjacent building, once the jailer's house and later the Canterbury City Police Station, is now a bar and cafe called 'The Pound'. Remarkably, the gate remains an active part of the city's infrastructure, with vehicular traffic still passing through its archway daily.
FAQ
When was Westgate Towers built?
Westgate Towers was constructed around 1379-1380 by Archbishop Simon Sudbury. It is the last survivor of Canterbury's seven medieval city gates.
What is significant about Westgate Towers?
It is England's largest and best-preserved surviving medieval city gate. It was also one of the earliest structures in England specifically designed to accommodate defensive artillery.
What is Westgate Towers used for now?
It currently houses the Westgate Towers Museum and Viewpoint, which includes historical exhibits and panoramic city views. The site also contains escape rooms.
Was there a famous prisoner held at Westgate Towers?
Yes, Robert Cushman, a Puritan who was instrumental in organizing the 1620 voyage of the Mayflower, was briefly imprisoned in the towers for printing anti-Church literature.
