22 December 2010

W is for Westgate

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The Westgate is one of only two fortified medieval gateways in the city to survive (the other being Kingsgate). It was built as early as the 12th century, and has been used as a guardhouse, jail and debtors prison. Since the late 19th century Westgate has been used as a museum. Up until 1959 traffic passed through the archway of the Westgate. The road is now diverted to the side. Up until the 1938 a pub  (The Plume of Feathers) adjoined Westgate, there's an old photo of it from around 1900 here. The pub was demolished to make way for the road and Council offices.

For more W posts see ABC Wednesday

10 comments:

  1. Marvelous history and photo for the W Day! Always enjoy the history of England and Europe, we're such a young country we just don't have many places like these. It was one of the things I enjoyed most while living in Europe! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

    Sylvia

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  2. Love the history of England and its environs. I was in Winchester once many years ago and was thrilled to see the round table.

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  3. Its a sturdy building. I have a summer view on my post, that warmth seems a long time ago now.

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  4. Interesting history about the Westgate. I can see cars driving through the archway.

    Thanks for the visit to my W post.

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  5. interesting that certain things survive, and others don't, by chance or design. glad this is still around.
    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  6. Thanks for dropping by my post :)

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  7. It looks old and massive. Structures like this were makre to stand the test of time. Nice shot!

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  8. Great piece of history and nice shot too. Have a great day!

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  9. Please, please take a photo from the other side!

    I used to live on Oram's Arbour, and every day I had to walk down through that gate to get into town. It was my favourite view of Winchester, you can see above the town and up into the hills behind as you get to the arch, all beautifully framed.

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  10. Will do! I've been meaning to go there to take some pics from inside

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