Victoria Gate Approx. 35M To The East Of Victoria Column

The Victoria Gate, approximately 35 metres to the east of the Victoria Column, forms a pair of pedestrian gateways built in 1830 by Edward Davis. Constructed in limestone ashlar, the gateways exemplify a severe, Soane-inspired Greek Revival style. Each entrance comprises three parts, with two rows of three square columns supporting a platform roof topped with a cornice band. The inner, central columns are wider than the outer ones; the inner columns function as piers with slots for former cast iron gates. Central outer piers rise to meet the upper part of the canopy. Above each gate is a semicircular arch with a moulded archivolt and a plain pediment displaying stepped bands. A cast iron square pier sits in the middle of the carriageway, featuring anthemion decoration on its sides. Above the pier is a lantern on a seven-legged base, inspired by antique incense burners, and topped with a lotus leaf capital; this pier retains evidence of its original use as a gate pier.

Originally, these gateways flanked a carriage gateway leading to the Victoria Obelisk. However, only the pedestrian entrances and the central wrought iron pier remain, the remainder of the ironwork having been removed during World War II. The gate was initially known as Spry's Gate and was later renamed Victoria Gate following the construction of the Victoria Obelisk in 1837.

The design reflects Davis’s training as a pupil of Sir John Soane in the 1820s and shares stylistic similarities with St John's Church in Bethnal Green, London. An architect's drawing of the gate is held in the Bath Record Office. The Victoria Gate is part of a significant group of park buildings, showcasing the stylistic diversity of the 1830s. Victoria Park itself was laid out in 1830 on former common land and opened by the Duchess of Kent and Princess Victoria on October 23rd 1830, marking the country’s first municipal park.