Westgate, Medieval gatehouse in Canterbury, England
The 60-foot high Westgate features stone towers, a drawbridge across the River Stour, and defensive elements including a portcullis and wooden doors.
Archbishop Simon Sudbury constructed this fortified entrance in 1380 to replace an earlier Roman gate, meeting his death during the Peasants' Revolt of 1381.
The gatehouse served as a primary entry point for medieval pilgrims traveling to Canterbury Cathedral to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket.
Visitors can explore three floors of exhibits in the Westgate Towers Museum, which displays weapons, armor, and artifacts from medieval times through World War II.
The structure functioned as Canterbury's main prison from 1453 to 1829, with cells still visible and a preserved condemned cell above the portcullis slot.
Location: Canterbury
GPS coordinates: 51.28124,1.07619
Latest update: May 10, 2025 21:18
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Arch In Grounds Of Tower House To North East Of The House
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Pier Of Bridge In Grounds Of Tower House Situated Behind Arch
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West Gate Towers Museum
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41 And 41A, St Peter's Street
56 m
37, St Peter's Street
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38, St Peter's Street
45 m
24, St Peter's Street
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93, St Dunstan's Street
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2, Westgate Grove
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22 And 23, St Peter's Street
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39, St Peter's Street
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34-36, St Peter's Street
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4, Westgate Grove
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94, St Dunstan's Street
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44, St Peter's Street
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K6 Telephone Kiosk Adjacent To The Westgate
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19 And 20, St Peter's Street
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21, St Peter's Street
62 m
5, St Dunstan's Street
86 m
43 And 434A, St Peter's Street
66 m
45, St Peter's Street
84 m
25, St Peter's Street
41 m
K6 Telephone Kiosk Adjacent To The Westgate
70 m
27 And 27A, St Peter's Street
23 m
95, St Dunstan's Street
74 m
26, St Peter's Street
33 mReviews
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