Westbury College Gatehouse

Westbury College Gatehouse is a four-story structure of red stone with corner turrets and a central arched entrance topped by battlements. The arched passage features two-bay vaulting that was designed to control access to the College of Priests on the grounds beyond.

Construction of this fortified gatehouse took place between 1459 and 1469 under the direction of John Carpenter, Bishop of Worcester. The building was part of the larger Westbury College complex, which served as an important religious institution in late medieval Bristol.

This gatehouse controlled access to a College of Priests where clergy members from Holy Trinity Church lived and studied together. The structure shows how church communities were organized in medieval times and how important such institutions were for religious life.

This National Trust property now serves as a meeting space for church groups and Air Cadets. Access is arranged through the Parish Office, so visitors should contact ahead to see the interior.

Archaeological excavations near the gatehouse uncovered human settlement traces spanning about 7000 years of occupation. The discoveries range from Mesolithic flints to Roman pottery, showing that this location has been inhabited since ancient times.

Location: City of Bristol

GPS coordinates: 51.49450,-2.61710

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:25