Great Gatehouse

The Great Gatehouse is a medieval gatehouse at College Green in Bristol with two Norman archways: a large carriage gateway and a smaller pedestrian passage, topped by a tower in Perpendicular style. Both passages connect the square to the cathedral grounds and serve as a central transition point between these areas.

Construction of this Grade I listed building started in 1170 as the main entrance to St. Augustine's Abbey, which later developed into Bristol Cathedral. This transformation makes the gatehouse a witness to the city's religious history, as it has overlooked both periods of this institution.

The structure displays Norman architectural details that remain visible today: carved mouldings, ribbed vaults, and interlaced arcading line its interior passages and shape how visitors move through it.

The gatehouse stands next to Bristol Central Library and marks the transition between College Green and the cathedral grounds. Its location makes it easy to find and visit, especially when exploring the public square.

The structure retains its original 12th-century Norman archways, which architect George Edmund Street confirmed during a 19th-century examination. His assessment helped establish the importance of this early medieval work for Bristol's history.

Location: City of Bristol

GPS coordinates: 51.45170,-2.60150

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:05