Ivy Gate, North East of Royal Fort House

This is a monumental gate dating from the mid-18th century, constructed from red brick laid in English Garden Wall bond, coursed stone rubble, and ashlar detailing, set on a coursed rubble plinth. The gate is flanked by substantial brick piers, exhibiting clear entasis and topped with projecting concrete coping supported on moulded brick corbels. The north-east elevation is brick, featuring a round-arched opening with a triple ashlar keystone. The south-west elevation is more decorative, with a central brick projection set against the stone rubble face, surmounted by an open pediment. Below the projection is a round-arched opening with a large single ashlar keystone and impost blocks. Within the arch on both elevations is an inner gate of ashlar with a quintuple keystone, with the middle three sections sequentially dropped. The gate is situated on a slight slope, and stone steps on the south-west elevation accommodate this.

Ivy Gate is shown on Roque’s map of 1742 and originally provided an entrance to a garden that was part of the Cromwell House estate. Cromwell House, which was demolished in the late 19th century, was one of five houses built in the latter half of the 17th century approximately 40 metres to the west of the gate. The gate has group value with other listed buildings down the hill, including Royal Fort House, which relate to the 17th and 18th century suburban development of the area. It contributes positively to the overall character of the university campus.