Holbein Gate, Gothic gateway in Whitehall, London, England
The Holbein Gate was a three-story structure with octagonal turrets at each corner and a central archway for vehicles plus a smaller passage for pedestrians. The design allowed traffic to flow through while maintaining the palace's architectural style.
King Henry VIII ordered construction of this gate between 1531 and 1532 to connect the eastern and western sections of the palace grounds. It was demolished in 1759 after serving for over 200 years as both a passage and administrative office.
The gate displayed royal emblems and carved decorative panels across its facades, marking it as a significant royal passage. The craftsmanship reflected the importance of this entry point within the palace grounds.
The structure originally served only as a passage, but from 1672 onward the upper floor was converted to office use for administrative records. You can locate where it once stood by looking at references in Whitehall street, though the physical structure no longer exists.
The upper room of the gate reportedly hosted a secret wedding ceremony between Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn on 25 January 1533. This private event took place in a concealed location within the palace grounds, away from public view.
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