The South Gate

LAUNCESTON

SX32843384 SOUTHGATE PLACE 660-1/4/123 (North West side) 27/02/50 The South Gate

GV I

Town gate. C14, slightly remodelled C17, pedestrian gate added 1887. Dressed volcanic agglomerate stone and greenstone to lower half, otherwise slatestone rubble with volcanic agglomerate dressings plus C17 granite dressings; pyramidal rag slate roof behind late C19 embattled parapet; stone stack over left-hand (west) wall removed C20: two square rooms over main gateway approached by stone staircase bridging smaller gateway. 3 storeys; 1-window range outer elevation and similar inner elevation. Both elevations have 2 chamfered pointed arches, the main arch fronting ribbed vaults; C17 three-light granite mullions with hoodmoulds to upper floors. Outer SE front has narrower pedestrian gateway on its left and main gateway with portcullis slots over. To outer side of passage are remnants of arch dated 1639 and fragments of tracery. Water point dated 1825 and inscribed "PCH" for Parr Cunningham Hocking, Mayor of that time, to right of inner elevation; this was the towns first public water supply. INTERIOR not inspected. HISTORY: until the early C19 the rooms of the South Gate were used as a gaol for petty offenders and a prison for debtors. (Robbins AF: Launceston, Past and Present: Launceston: 1888-: P.302).

Listing NGR: SX3324184537