East Gate

East Gate is a city gate that dates back to the medieval period, possibly from the 9th or 10th century, and was restored around 1899 when the nearby Empire Hotel was constructed. It is made of coursed limestone and has a paved top surface over the arch. The exterior features a narrow archway that is now situated well below street level, measuring approximately 2 meters in width, 1 meter in depth, and between 2 to 2.5 meters in height. The jambs are chamfered on the outside face, indicating they are likely medieval. The arch is cranked and constructed from three stones on corbels, with a relieving arch above and horizontal courses over it. The inner face of the arch is similar but has a segmental shape. The extent of the 1899 reconstruction is uncertain, but it closely resembles 18th-century engravings and photographs from around 1890.

The East Gate of Bath features a minor gate on Boat Stall Lane that leads down to the quay and Bathwick ferry, which was kept open for the convenience of local residents. A portion of the wall with crowning battlements remained alongside until 1899. The city wall itself originated in the 4th century towards the end of the Roman period and was repaired in the early 10th century, remaining in use until the Civil War. Samuel Pepys noted its good condition in 1668, but it gradually fell into disrepair, leading to most of it being demolished in the 18th century. The Corporation demolished the north and south gates in 1755, with the south gate being taken down in 1776. This gate is also known as the Lot Gate, derived from the Early English term for a postern gate. Its narrow design suggests it was never intended as a principal entrance, yet it holds great significance as the only surviving medieval gate in the city.