Town Gate And Castle Walls

The Town Gate and Castle Walls, built in 1850, are located on the east side of High Street. Constructed from upper greensand, the structure features an ashlar plinth, coping, and dressings, with the rest of the walls exhibiting rock-faced rustication. The adjoining lodge is rectangular and has four smaller rectangular turrets at its corners. The gate includes a pointed archway topped with machicolation. The wall is crowned with a crenellated parapet, featuring bartizans on the outer side and semi-circular bastions on the inner side.

The Town Gate and Castle Walls were established following a proposal in 1833 by the Duke of Norfolk, who agreed to build a new Town Hall at his own expense in exchange for the northern part of High Street, which he wanted to incorporate into the Castle grounds. The Town Hall was completed by 1338, and the new London Road was constructed in 1341, likely leading to the appropriation of the upper part of High Street at that time. By 1546, houses on the east side, north of No 34, had been demolished. However, the current walls and gatehouse date specifically from 1850. The Town Gate and Castle Walls, along with Nos 18 to 34 (even), are recognized as a group.