Bar Gate And Guildhall

Bar Gate and Guildhall dates from around 1180, with additions and alterations made around 1290, the 18th century, and restoration in 1864-1865. Originally built as a town gateway with the Guildhall located on the first floor, breaches were made in the adjoining Town Walls in the 1930s. The building has two storeys constructed of stone and flint. The ground floor features a central round-headed archway from circa 1180-1200, with the arch and responds being round-chamfered and small square abaci. Two additional arches were added in 1764 and 1774. Large drum towers were added to the north side around 1280-1290, which still have arrow slit windows. An embattled front was added to the north side around 1400. The south side includes a two-storey section added probably in the late 13th century, featuring four windows that light the upper storey room (restored in 1864-1865). Between the two central windows is a trefoiled niche that contains a statue of George III in Roman costume, which replaced a wooden statue of Queen Anne now located in the Bargate Museum. A bell from 1605 is attached to the left side; this served as the curfew and alarm bell. There is also a sundial from 1705 and five panels displaying painted shields from the 18th century. The interior of the Guildhall features late 13th-century stone fireplaces with cinquefoil arches. This is regarded as one of the finest town gateways in England and is scheduled as an Ancient Monument.