Cooling Castle Gatehouse

An embattled gatehouse dating from 1381 to 1385, built by Thomas Crump and possibly designed by Henry Yevele for Sir John de Cobham. It is constructed of coursed ragstone with some knapped flint. The gatehouse features two semi-circular towers with projecting rings of machicolations and crenellations. A four-centred arch spans between the towers; this is topped with crenellations and features a moulded round-arched gateway below and behind. Loopholes are present on the front faces of the towers at half height. The gatehouse is open on the interior and originally provided access to the south-west corner of the outer ward. Cooling Castle is designated as an Ancient Monument.