Burgess Gate

Burgess Gate is a large twin-towered gatehouse, measuring approximately 16 meters wide and high. It is constructed of limestone with a buff and green sandstone ashlar facing, which is now quite weathered, and features a chequer-work pattern on the upper stage. The gatehouse has a tall, four-centred, double-arched entrance situated between two large, storeyed drum towers that have heavily-battered square plinths. The rear of the gateway is rectangular and also faced with limestone. The entrance arch leads into a vaulted passage flanked by the towers, which originally had defenses that included gates, a portcullis, murder holes, and side arrow slits for lateral fire. Each tower contains a rectangular ground floor guard chamber. The upper storey, which is currently missing its floor, features a large chamber with a fireplace in the western drum tower and another chamber in the eastern tower. There is a straight mural stair in the western tower, providing access to the wall walk from both sides. The towers have slit windows at the front and much weathered arched windows at the center and rear of the upper stage.