St James Chapel West Gate

St James Chapel West Gate is a Grade I listed building dating from 1781, situated at the West Gate. The structure has origins in the late 14th century, possibly incorporating elements from an earlier building, and is located on the site of a gate that existed as early as 1129. It was part of the medieval town defenses and was extended to the west with a tower added in the early 15th century. The ground floor features pointed arches at either end of a ribbed vault. The first floor chapel underwent extensive restoration between 1863 and 1865 by G. G. Scott, who redesigned the windows, rebuilt the parapet walks, added flying buttresses, and refurnished the interior. The chapel is part of a group that includes West Gate and St James's Chapel, Nos 1 and 1A Brook Street, the Hospital of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and Nos 54 and 56 on the north side of High Street.