Fire Bell Gate, Barking Abbey

Fire Bell Gate at Barking Abbey is a late 15th to early 16th century two-storey gateway. It is constructed of coursed rubble with stone dressings and features a crenellated parapet along with an embattled octagonal stair turret at the north-west corner. The gateway has inner and outer archways with moulded jambs, four-centred arches, and labels, as well as angle buttresses. Above each archway, there is an ogee-shaped niche. The early 19th century iron gates are also notable. The upper floor serves as the Chapel of the Holy Rood, which includes cinquefoiled lights in a four-centred head on the east and west walls. A fine early medieval stone roof is present, and below the east window to the north is a late 12th century stone Rood featuring figures of the Virgin and St John. The upper storey has been largely rebuilt in the late 19th century.