Great Gate (Outer Gate, Marsh Foregate)

The Great Gate, also known as the Outer Gate or Marsh Foregate, is a Grade I listed building erected by Abbot Benedict around 1174 to 1194, with alterations made between 1302 and 1307. The chamber above the gate was originally a chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas. The archway features Norman work, including roll moulding and columns with scalloped capitals, as well as blank wall arcading above the doorway. The upper part of the doorway dates from the 14th century and includes a blank arcade of five lights with two windows that have cusped heads. The structure is topped with a crenellated parapet and is flanked by two turrets. The Great Gate, along with the Chapel of St. Thomas, the Archway to Dean's Court, and Nos 1 to 19, forms a significant group.