West Gate, Southampton, Southampton

The east face of the West Gate, with two women standing beneath the arch. The West Gate was one of the 5 main gateways in to the medieval city. It was the main access to the West Quay, along which most of the towns maritime activity took place. It was built as a defensive gateway in the mid 14th century. The two upper storeys had gunports added in the 16th century. It was through this gate that the army of Henry V marched to the ships for Agincourt in 1415 and the Pilgrim Fathers embarked from West Quay on "the Mayflower" on August 15th, 1620.

Location

Southampton Southampton

Period

Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)

Tags

town wall gateway defence attack people victorian (1837 - 1901)