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Bargate

The Bargate is a Grade I listed medieval gatehouse and guildhall located in the centre of Southampton, England. Constructed circa 1180 as a two-storey stone tower forming part of the town's Norman defensive walls, it originally served as the principal northern gateway, where a bar was used to halt traffic for toll collection by the town broker.^[1]^[2] Originally a free-standing structure integrated with the surrounding town walls, the Bargate was fortified in the late 13th century with the addition of drum towers on its north side, featuring arrow-slit windows for defensive purposes.^[1]^[3] By the early 15th century, an embattled north front was added, and the building evolved to include multiple functions, such as a prison in the 1400s, a guildhall since the medieval period and a court leet meeting place from the 16th century, and a market with vaults for storing wine merchants' goods.^[1]^[4] In the 18th century, two additional arches were inserted into the ground floor to accommodate growing traffic (in 1764 and 1774), and a bell was installed in 1605 to signal curfews and alarms.^[1]^[5] A major restoration occurred in 1864–65. During the 20th century, the Bargate was separated from the adjacent town walls in the 1930s to create a traffic bypass, and it functioned as an air-raid shelter during World War II, with its arches bricked up for protection amid Southampton's heavy bombing.^[1]^[4] Post-war restorations occurred in 1946 and the 1970s, addressing damage and weathering, including replacements of heraldic shields originally carved in vulnerable Ventnor stone.^[1]^[6] Recent conservation efforts under the city's Heritage Assets Repairs Programme in 2023–2024 have focused on roof repairs, stonework repointing, and preserving the 11 heraldic shields on the north facade; a November 2024 update confirmed these works slowed moisture ingress, while the lion sculptures were restored in 2020.^[6]^[7]^[8] Architecturally, the Bargate is built primarily of Quarr Abbey limestone, Caen stone, and flint, with a central round-headed archway dating to 1180–1200 flanked by later 18th-century arches on the south side.^[1]^[3] Key features include sculptured heads of historical figures such as Edward III and the Black Prince on the drum towers, a trefoiled niche with a statue of George III (replacing an earlier Queen Anne figure) on the south elevation, and interior late-13th-century stone fireplaces with cinquefoil arches.^[1]^[3] The north side displays restored heraldic shields between buttresses, symbolizing the city's medieval prosperity, while 16th-century lion sculptures reference the legend of Sir Bevis of Hampton.^[4]^[6] Today, the Bargate stands as a scheduled ancient monument and prominent pedestrian landmark in Southampton's city centre, recognized as one of England's finest surviving town gateways for its layered historical development and architectural merit.^[1]^[5] It anchors ongoing urban revitalization plans for the surrounding "Bargate Quarter," highlighting its enduring role in the city's heritage.^[3]

Overview and Location

Physical Description

The Bargate is a Grade I listed building designated on 14 July 1953 and also scheduled as an ancient monument.^[1] Constructed around 1180 in the Norman style primarily from stone and flint, it originally served as the principal north gatehouse of Southampton's medieval town walls.^[1] The structure incorporates later expansions such as drum towers added around 1290 for enhanced defense, a two-storey extension on the south side from the late 13th century, and an embattled parapet on the north front dating to circa 1400.^[1] Externally, the Bargate features narrow arrow-slit windows within the drum towers for archers, alongside four south-facing mullioned windows on the extended facade.^[1] The drum towers are capped with lead-covered pyramidal roofs, providing a distinctive silhouette.^[1] Prominent decorative elements include a Coade stone statue of George III in Roman attire, installed in 1809 within a trefoiled niche above the south-facing windows, and two iron sculptures of rampant lions flanking the south front; these lions, crafted as mid-18th-century replacements for earlier wooden figures, were meticulously repainted in 2021 following conservation.^[9]^[10] Internally, late 13th-century stone fireplaces with cinquefoil arches adorn the upper spaces.^[1] Major roof repairs were completed in 2024 as part of the Heritage Assets Repairs Programme (HARP) Phase 2.^[11] The ground floor centers on the original round-headed gateway arch with chamfered detailing and abaci supports, though it now includes pedestrian passages cut through in 1764 and 1774 to accommodate foot traffic alongside vehicular access.^[1] The first floor houses the historic guildhall, characterized by its timber-framed roof structure, which spans the chamber used for civic gatherings.^[6]

Site and Context

The Bargate is situated in Southampton City Centre at coordinates 50.9027°N, 1.40415°W, precisely marking the boundary between High Street to the south—representing the historic medieval core of the city—and Above Bar Street to the north, a vibrant commercial district.^[12]^[11] As the original north gateway of Southampton's town walls, constructed progressively from the late 12th to the 15th century, the Bargate formed an integral part of the defensive system that enclosed the urban area.^[12]^[6] The structure was separated from the adjoining east side of the walls in 1932 and from the west side in 1937 to accommodate modern traffic needs.^[5] The name "Bargate" originates from the horizontal timber bar employed in medieval times to secure and close the gate against passage.^[11] In its contemporary setting, the Bargate stands adjacent to the Bargate Shopping Centre and other modern retail developments, while ownership remains with Southampton City Council, ensuring its preservation as a key element of the city's medieval heritage trail.^[13]^[12] This positioning underscores its visual prominence as an iconic landmark that symbolically divides Southampton's historic southern quarter from the expansive northern commercial zones.^[14]

Architecture

Construction and Design

The Bargate was initially constructed around 1180 as a simple two-storey Norman gatehouse serving as the principal northern entrance to Southampton, featuring a central round-headed archway for vehicular and pedestrian passage, built primarily from local Quarr stone sourced from the Isle of Wight, Caen stone, and faced with knapped flintwork.^[11]^[15] This early design integrated the structure into the emerging town walls, emphasizing durability and defensive utility with its robust masonry.^[16] Subsequent enhancements in the late 13th century strengthened its fortifications and expanded its civic functions; around 1290, two large drum towers were added to the north side to bolster defensive capabilities, equipped with narrow arrow-slit windows for archers.^[15] Concurrently, a two-storey extension was built on the south side, incorporating stone fireplaces and creating an upper chamber that functioned as a guildhall, while the overall height increased to accommodate these additions.^[15] By circa 1400, an embattled parapet was constructed along the north front, further fortifying the gateway against potential assaults.^[15] Key defensive elements included slots for a portcullis to secure the central arch, murder holes in the vaulted ceiling above the passageway for dropping projectiles or boiling substances on intruders, and an original drawbridge mechanism spanning the adjacent town moat, which was removed in the 18th century after the moat was filled.^[17]^[18]^[19] To accommodate growing 18th-century traffic, the original archway was widened through the addition of side arches in 1764 and 1774, with a pedestrian passage cut through the eastern side in 1765 and another through the western side in 1774, allowing foot traffic to bypass the central roadway without impeding carriages.^[20] In 1579, a bell was installed in the southwest corner for signaling curfew and alarms, later recast and inscribed in 1605 to enhance its resonance.^[21]

Notable Features

The south front of the Bargate features a prominent statue of King George III, crafted from Coade stone, an artificial stone developed by Eleanor Coade. Erected in 1809, it commemorates the monarch and depicts him in Roman attire, positioned in a niche between the central windows; the statue has weathered over time but remains in place as a key decorative element.^[9]^[22]^[23] Flanking the entrance on the south front are a pair of lead lion sculptures, known as the Bargate Lions, which symbolize strength and guardianship. These are the oldest statues in Southampton, originally cast in 1743 by London sculptor John Cheere to replace earlier wooden versions from Tudor times; one lion's tail corroded and detached in 2018, leading to their removal for conservation, full repair, and repainting before reinstallation in March 2021.^[24]^[10]^[25] Inside the first-floor Guildhall, two late 13th-century stone fireplaces stand as rare surviving medieval features, each with a cinquefoil-arched opening that reflects early English Gothic design. These fireplaces, installed around the 1270s during expansions to the upper chamber, provide insight into the building's domestic and administrative adaptations.^[1]^[26] On the north front, carved and painted wooden panels depict the legendary knight Sir Bevis of Hampton and his giant companion Ascapart, drawing from a medieval romance that ties into Southampton's folklore as the mythical founder Bevis. These oak panels, featuring Renaissance-style figures with swords, clubs, and ornate attire, underwent significant refurbishment in 1594 and were later protected by relocation indoors in 1881.^[27]^[28] The Bargate's roof is covered in lead sheeting, topped by an embattled parapet that was waterproofed in 2016 through the replacement of Portland cement mortar with lime-based materials to prevent water ingress and preserve the structure. Major roof repairs and stonework repointing were completed in 2023–2024 as part of the city's Heritage Assets Repairs Programme.^[29]^[11]^[1] A small bell turret at the southwest corner houses a 1605 bell, originally added as the city's curfew and alarm signal.^[1]

History

Origins and Medieval Period

The Bargate was constructed around 1180 during the Norman period under King Henry II, forming the primary northern gateway of Southampton's early town defenses at a time when the settlement was expanding as a vital English port for cross-Channel trade.^[30] This initial structure consisted of a two-storey tower with a central round-headed archway built from stone and flint, integrated into the nascent town walls amid growing threats from French incursions that prompted Norman fortifications across southern England.^[15] By the late 13th century, around 1275–1290, significant alterations added drum towers and arrow-slit windows to the existing structure for enhanced defense, coinciding with Southampton's rising prominence in wool and wine exports.^[31] As the main northern entrance, the Bargate served dual roles in trade and defense throughout the medieval era, channeling merchants, pilgrims, and military forces into the walled town while controlling access via its fortified design.^[22] During the Hundred Years' War, it functioned as a key defensive point, with armies marching through its archway, including Edward III's forces in 1346 en route to the Battle of Crécy and Henry V's expeditionary army in 1415 before embarking for Agincourt.^[31] The structure's defensive features, such as arrow slits and an embattled north front added around 1400, underscored its military significance amid repeated French raids, including the devastating 1338 attack that accelerated wall extensions ordered by Edward III.^[15]^[30] The first floor of the Bargate functioned as a guildhall for the town's merchant guilds, hosting meetings and administrative proceedings for trade regulation from the medieval period onward.^[22] This upper chamber, equipped with stone fireplaces, served as the medieval town's administrative hub, known as the "Gyhelde" or guildhall, until it grew insufficient for expanding civic needs by the 18th century.^[15] Records indicate the ground floor began serving as a prison by at least 1439, when repairs to its bolt mechanism were documented, primarily holding debtors, minor offenders, and criminals in its vaults.^[31] In 1458, following a naval dispute involving Genoese ships, local Genoese merchants and residents were detained there, highlighting the gate's role in enforcing maritime and diplomatic tensions during the late medieval period.^[31]

Early Modern Modifications

During the early modern period, the Bargate underwent several modifications to adapt to evolving civic and urban demands in Southampton. In 1579, a bell was installed on the west end of the structure at the recommendation of the court leet, serving as a watch-bell for alarms and civic signaling. This bell was recast in 1605 and inscribed with "In God is my hope. R.B. 1605," enhancing its role in town governance and emergency notifications. From the 16th century onward, the first floor of the Bargate hosted regular meetings of the court leet, a traditional assembly that formalized the structure's judicial functions by addressing town conditions, morals, and minor crimes until 1856. These gatherings, managed by the mayor, aldermen, and other officials, underscored the Bargate's transition from a primarily defensive gateway to a multifunctional civic hub. Concurrently, its use as a prison continued, though detailed operations were managed separately. In the 18th century, increasing traffic prompted practical alterations to the ground floor. The central arch was widened in 1764 and again in 1774 to better accommodate carriages, while pedestrian passages were added in 1765 to improve flow through the gateway. These changes reflected the declining military relevance of the town walls and the growing need for efficient urban circulation. The drawbridge was removed in the late 18th century, further simplifying access as defensive priorities waned.^[1] Decorative enhancements also marked this era, adding symbolic and aesthetic elements. Mid-century, lead lions cast in 1743—bearing the inscription of donor Richard Raymond—were installed as replacements, symbolizing strength and guardianship. Additionally, panels depicting Bevis of Hampton and the giant Ascapart, painted in 1644, were incorporated, evoking local legendary heritage before their later relocation.

19th and 20th Century Changes

In the early 19th century, a statue of George III in Roman costume was installed above the central archway of the Bargate's south facade in 1809, donated by the Marquess of Lansdowne and replacing an earlier wooden statue of Queen Anne that was relocated to the interior.^[9] This addition symbolized civic loyalty to the monarchy amid Southampton's growing port significance. By 1836, the Bargate incorporated facilities for the newly established Southampton Borough Police, including cells that served as a prison, reflecting the structure's evolving role in local law enforcement as the town industrialized.^[31] The first-floor guildhall, originally medieval, underwent refurbishment around 1852, including restoration of historic murals depicting local legends like Sir Bevis and Ascapart, to accommodate ongoing civic functions.^[32] These meetings of the ancient court leet, a traditional local jurisdiction overseeing markets and morals, continued at the Bargate until its abolition in 1856, marking the end of one of its longest-standing judicial traditions.^[33] Significant restorations were carried out in 1864–65 to repair and consolidate the structure.^[1] As traffic volumes rose with trams and urbanization, the Bargate faced existential threats in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A demolition proposal in 1899, driven by the need to widen roads for increasing vehicular and tram traffic, was rejected following public opposition and a council vote to preserve the medieval landmark.^[34] Similar campaigns arose in 1912, 1914—on the eve of World War I—and 1923, each time thwarted by heritage advocacy from local groups emphasizing the gate's symbolic and architectural value, ensuring its survival despite pressures from modern transport demands.^[34] In 1901, minor adaptations included enhanced pedestrian access via side passages to bypass the main arch, aiding foot traffic amid growing commercial activity north of the gate.^[35] The interwar period brought structural alterations to integrate the Bargate into a changing urban landscape. Between 1932 and 1937, breaches were cut in the adjoining town walls to fully separate the gatehouse from the remaining fortifications, facilitating smoother road flow and removing the last extensive wall connections that had linked it to the medieval defenses.^[1] Court functions, including magistrates' sessions, ceased in 1933 with the relocation to new civic facilities, ending centuries of judicial use.^[36] During World War II, the Bargate reverted to operational service as the city's police headquarters, coordinating security and emergency responses in a heavily bombed port.^[37] Postwar recovery emphasized preservation amid rapid urban expansion. In 1951, coinciding with the Festival of Britain, the first floor opened as the Bargate Guildhall Museum, displaying local artifacts and the relocated Queen Anne statue to educate on Southampton's heritage.^[6] Further minor separations from residual wall fragments occurred in the mid-20th century, alongside routine repairs to combat weathering from industrial pollution and traffic, safeguarding the structure as the city rebuilt and modernized its core.^[1]

21st Century Restorations

In the early 2000s, the upper chamber of the Bargate was refurbished and repurposed as a contemporary art gallery known as the Bargate Monument Gallery, operated by the visual arts organization 'a space' arts from 2006 to 2012.^[38] This initiative, funded by the South East England Development Agency and supported by Southampton City Council, hosted exhibitions showcasing local and regional artists, transforming the historic space into a venue for modern cultural expression.^[38] Following the gallery's closure in 2012, the Bargate has served as a temporary exhibition and event space for Southampton Solent University, accommodating student-led displays and academic projects in fine arts and related fields.^[39] A significant restoration project in 2016 addressed deterioration from prior 20th-century interventions, involving the removal of incompatible Portland cement pointing and its replacement with traditional lime mortar to enhance breathability and prevent further damage to the medieval stonework.^[40] The works, completed by July 2016 and overseen by contractors from West Sussex, also included waterproofing the parapet to mitigate water ingress, ensuring the structure's long-term stability while adhering to historic building standards.^[41] During this period, assessments of the heraldic shields on the north facade identified ongoing paint degradation and substrate erosion, laying the groundwork for future conservation efforts.^[29] In September 2018, corrosion within the internal iron armatures of the 18th-century stone lion sculptures atop the Bargate caused one tail to detach, prompting immediate safety measures and expert evaluation.^[42] The lions were subsequently removed in November 2020 for comprehensive repairs, including treatment of the corrosion and structural reinforcement, with the restored sculptures reinstalled in March 2021 after 278 years in situ.^[8]^[10] This intervention, part of broader monument preservation initiatives, also encompassed repainting elements of the facade to match original schemes, contributing to the Bargate's role as a prominent tourist landmark.^[43] Since 2023, the Bargate has been incorporated into Southampton City Council's Heritage Assets Repair Programme (HARP), a multi-phase effort to conserve over 50 historic sites with a £6 million investment.^[44] Phase 2, completed in 2024, focused on roof repairs to reduce moisture penetration into the north wall, involving leadwork restoration to seal vulnerabilities and prevent ongoing decay.^[11] Phase 3, awarded to Traditional Stone Restoration in June 2025, targeted exterior stonework repairs and heraldic shield conservation, and was completed in late 2025.^[44]^[45] These ongoing works prioritize reversible, historically accurate techniques to safeguard the Grade I listed structure for future generations.^[11]

Uses and Significance

Civic and Administrative Functions

The Bargate served as Southampton's town gaol starting in the 15th century, with the earliest records dating to 1439 when repairs were made to the door bolt on the ground floor.^[31] It functioned primarily for short-term detention of felons, debtors, and minor offenders, including instances like the imprisonment of Genoese residents in 1458.^[31] By the 16th century, the west side specifically housed debtors and minor offenders, continuing this role into the 18th century until the debtors' prison was relocated around 1785.^[46] In the 19th century, following the establishment of Southampton's police force in 1836, the upper room and adjacent structures were repurposed as police cells for temporary holding.^[47] These facilities expanded with the construction of a police station on the west side around 1836, supporting the growing needs of law enforcement until further developments in the mid-19th century.^[47] The first-floor hall of the Bargate hosted judicial proceedings, particularly meetings of the court leet—a manorial court handling local disputes and administrative matters—from the 16th century onward.^[4] These sessions, which addressed issues like town maintenance and minor civil cases, were held regularly through the 17th to 19th centuries, with records indicating consistent use from 1616.^[2] The court leet's final meeting at the Bargate took place in 1856, after which such functions shifted to newer civic buildings.^[2] From the late 13th century, the upper chamber functioned as the base for Southampton's merchant guild, serving as a venue for meetings, trade deliberations, and town governance under the Guild Merchant.^[37] This space, originally fitted with 13th-century windows for lighting the hall, acted as the town's guildhall and administrative center for centuries.^[37] In the 19th century, the guildhall was rebuilt and refitted around 1851–1852 to include a dedicated council chamber, accommodating evolving municipal needs amid urban expansion.^[22] During World War II, particularly amid the Southampton Blitz of 1940–1941, the Bargate and its adjacent police station resumed a critical administrative role as the city's temporary police headquarters, coordinating emergency responses and security in the heavily bombed area.^[37] Today, the Bargate is owned and maintained by Southampton City Council, which utilizes its spaces for occasional civic events, such as ceremonial gatherings and public commemorations, while preserving its historical integrity.^[6]

Cultural and Symbolic Role

The Bargate stands as an enduring icon of Southampton's medieval heritage, symbolizing the city's defensive past as a vital port town during the Middle Ages. Constructed around 1180 as the principal northern gateway to the walled town, it represents the architectural and strategic legacy of Southampton's role in trade and defense against invasions.^[48] This symbolic status is further enriched by its association with local folklore, particularly the legend of Sir Bevis of Hampton, a 13th-century romance hero said to have founded or protected the town, embedding the structure in narratives of chivalry and local identity that have persisted in cultural memory.^[28] As a major tourist draw, the Bargate serves as a focal point for heritage exploration in Southampton's Old Town, featuring prominently on guided walking tours that highlight the city's medieval walls and maritime history. It attracts visitors year-round, with annual access during Heritage Open Days, such as the events held from September 12-14 and 19-21 in 2024, allowing free entry to explore its interior and learn about its historical context.^[49] The structure's prominence enhances Southampton's appeal as a heritage destination, drawing crowds to nearby sites like the Tudor House and contributing to the city's cultural tourism economy. In contemporary times, the Bargate has evolved into a venue for cultural engagement, hosting exhibitions and events that connect its historical significance to modern artistic expression. From 2006 to 2012, following refurbishment, the upper chamber functioned as the Bargate Monument Gallery, showcasing contemporary art and local creative talent to foster community involvement in heritage preservation.^[38] Since 2012, it has served as a temporary exhibition and event space for Southampton Solent University, displaying art, history exhibits, and educational programs that highlight the gate's role in the city's past.^[38] Public appreciation for the Bargate was notably amplified in the late 19th and early 20th centuries through community-led campaigns that successfully opposed proposals to demolish it for traffic improvements, such as the 1899 petition drive and the 1914 rejection of relocation plans, which solidified its status as a cherished emblem of local pride.^[30] The Bargate's cultural footprint extends to seasonal public events, including the annual Southampton Christmas Market, which encircles the site from mid-November to early January, featuring stalls, entertainment, and illuminations that draw large crowds and reinforce its role as a communal gathering point.^[50] Economically, it bolsters heritage tourism, supporting visitor spending in the Old Town, while its integration into the £132 million Bargate Quarter redevelopment—encompassing new homes, commercial spaces, and enhancements to the gate's setting—drives urban regeneration and sustains the area's vitality without altering the historic structure itself.^[13] Recent restorations under heritage initiatives have improved accessibility, further amplifying its public and symbolic resonance.

Heraldic Elements

Shield Designs and Symbolism

The two spandrel shields depicting the crosses of St. George and St. Andrew date to the medieval period, while the nine shields above the string course on the north facade of the Bargate were added in the late 17th and 18th centuries to honor prominent local figures and their contributions to Southampton's civic life.^[51] These shields, originally painted on stone panels, are arranged in two rows: two positioned in the spandrels of the central archway and nine aligned above the string course, integrating with the structure's guildhall functions on the upper floor where merchants and officials conducted business.^[52] The designs feature a mix of family arms and civic emblems, symbolizing Southampton's prosperous trade networks and administrative heritage. For instance, the Andrews shield displays three arrows, representing a family of influential merchants; the Dummer shield incorporates a fret and an escallop shell, evoking maritime connections; and the Tayler shield shows a chevron between mullets, denoting leadership among local guilds.^[51] Civic symbols, such as the cross of St. George, underscore national ties and the town's role as a key port.^[52] These shields collectively commemorate prominent Southampton merchants and mayors from the late 17th and early 18th centuries, reflecting the era's civic pride amid growing commercial success and urban development.^[51]^[52] By displaying arms of benefactors and representatives, they served as a public testament to the guilds' and families' contributions to the town's governance and economy, linking personal heraldry to communal identity.^[52]

Condition and Preservation

The heraldic shields on the Bargate have experienced repeated deterioration primarily due to prolonged exposure to weather elements, with historical records indicating decay as early as the 18th century when original paint began flaking on the stone surfaces. Originally carved from Ventnor Stone, which weathers poorly, several shields were replaced with more vulnerable Caen stone by the early 20th century, exacerbating erosion from rainwater ingress, particularly after a 1971 concrete roof installation trapped moisture.^[11]^[53] Major repairs occurred in the 1990s, culminating in a comprehensive repainting in 1998 by a historic buildings conservator, who addressed damaged areas using specialized paints intended to endure for 20 years; however, these repairs failed within five years due to ongoing dampness. Further assessments post-2016 revealed additional erosion, with the shields described as largely disintegrated from chipped paint and rotten stone, prompting discussions between Southampton City Council and Historic England on conservation versus replacement options. In 2024, detailed examinations confirmed continued stone deterioration, especially on five shields between the buttresses, leading to their inclusion in the Heritage Asset Repair Programme (HARP) Phase 3 (2023–2025) for planned repainting and stone protection once the structure fully dries. As of July 2025, the stonework had dried sufficiently following roof repairs to commence discussions with Historic England on repair methods, with Phase 3 works aimed for completion by autumn 2025; by November 2025, repairs to the shields were still in the planning stage.^[11]^[53]^[54]^[7]^[55] Preservation efforts have employed techniques such as mortar repairs and protective coatings during the 1998 intervention, with subsequent works in 2016 involving temporary shields to maintain visual integrity while waterproofing the parapet to mitigate damp before permanent repairs. Current strategies under HARP Phase 3, overseen by Historic England, focus on rebuilding eroded stone and repainting after roof repairs completed in 2024 to reduce water penetration, building on three prior attempts to control rainwater ingress since the 1940s. The last full restoration of the shields occurred prior to 2025, with monitoring by Historic England ensuring compatibility with the Grade I listed status.^[11]^[54]^[44] Ongoing challenges include accelerated wear from persistent urban dampness and climate-driven weather patterns, which have prevented repainting since 1998 by keeping the north wall saturated, as noted in 2023 assessments; these factors continue to threaten the shields' structural integrity despite phased interventions.^[11]^[53]

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BAR GATE AND GUILDHALL, Non Civil Parish - 1092087
List entry 1092087. Grade I Listed Building: Bar Gate And Guildhall. May include summary, reasons for designation and history.
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It is a complex issue that dates back over 50 years. Originally, they were carved in Ventnor Stone, which weathers badly, and then some of them were replaced ...
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[31]
Southampton City Council - Facebook
Jul 29, 2023 · Step inside of one of Southampton most famous monuments, the Bargate for Heritage Open Days. Open 8 9 September, 10.30am - 15.30pm.Missing: pedestrian 1765<|control11|><|separator|>
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Bargate, Southampton - The Crime & Punishment Collections Network
Feb 21, 2022 · The monument served as the police headquarters for the city during the Second World War. What can be found at the venue? Historic building or ...Missing: WWII | Show results with:WWII<|control11|><|separator|>
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PHOTOS: When Southampton nearly got rid of Bargate - Daily Echo
Jan 21, 2017 · In 1899 it was proposed to demolish the Bargate and the possibility of demolition was raised again 1912, 1914 and 1923. In January 1912 two ...Missing: campaigns | Show results with:campaigns
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Bargate | Southampton - Visit A City
In the middle of the four windows is a statue of George III in Roman dress, which in 1809 replaced a wooden statue of Queen Anne.The statue was a gift to the ...Missing: 19th | Show results with:19th
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Looking to the past for the Bargate's future | Daily Echo
Dec 17, 2012 · The Justices of the Peace continued to hold their courts at the Bargate until 1934, and formerly consigned the prisoners to the cells below, ...
[36]
Bargate - Sightseeing tours, tour guides and accessible tours
The embattled north front was added to the building around 1400. In 1605, the city's curfew bell was added to the southwest corner of the building. A sundial ...Missing: 13th | Show results with:13th
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Bargate Monument Gallery - a space arts
... police headquarters during WW2. Between 2006 to 2012 'a space' arts adapted the upstairs of the Grade II listed building to house a contemporary gallery ...Missing: WWII | Show results with:WWII
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Sarah Filmer academic profile - Southampton Solent University
Solo exhibition. September 2012 - Blue Jumper – Community knitting project with video, based in the Bargate Monument Gallery. · Commissions · Group exhibitions.
[39]
Southampton's Bargate to undergo huge restoration works
Feb 11, 2016 · The parapet will be waterproofed and the old repointing will be cut out, with all work using lime mortar as in the original construction.
[40]
PHOTOS: Restoration of Southampton's historic Bargate complete
Jul 28, 2016 · All the restoration work has been completed using lime mortar, matching the materials originally used during construction.” West Sussex-based ...
[41]
Southampton Bargate lion's tail drops off - BBC
Sep 19, 2018 · The lions are thought to have been made by the London sculptor John Cheere and replaced wooden lions which dated back to Tudor times. Councillor ...
[42]
Southampton Bargate lions removed for repairs after 275 years - BBC
Nov 18, 2020 · "After 275 years, the lions have developed several cracks caused by the ironwork inside them expanding due to natural corrosion, ...
[43]
Southampton's Bargate and vaults set for restoration - BBC
Oct 21, 2021 · Southampton City Council has released a list of 53 monuments set to be repaired and restored. Ideas include a viewing platform on the Bargate ...
[44]
Protecting our city's heritage: the next steps
Jun 25, 2025 · Phase Three of the Heritage Asset Repair Programme (HARP) is now underway, with the contract awarded to Traditional Stone Restoration.
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Next phase to conserve important landmarks underway - Daily Echo
Jun 29, 2025 · Phase three of the Heritage Asset Repair Programme (HARP) will see work to repair and conserve 20 sites across the city, including the Bargate and the city's ...
[46]
Debtors' Prison, Southampton, Hampshire
Prior to about 1785, Southampton's Debtors' Prison was located in the Bar Gate. In 1784, John Howard wrote: The Bar Gate: Sheriff's ward for Debtors. Two ...
[47]
Bargate Police Station - Southampton - Sotonopedia
The police station adjoining the Bargate on its west side was established in c.1836 when Southampton's first official police force came into being.Missing: WWII | Show results with:WWII
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[PDF] 10 Bargate Environs and Hanover Buildings Context Above Bar ...
Jan 19, 2009 · 01 The Bargate, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, is an important symbol of the city but stands as an isolated monument, detached from the town ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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The Bargate - Heritage Open Days
On 12 to 14 and 19 to 21 September we will be opening the Bargate – the very well-known and much loved gateway into the medieval town of Southampton.
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Southampton Christmas Market - The magic of Christmas
Monday – Wednesday Bargate & Above Bar (including bars, food outlets, & rides) 11am – 10pm ; Monday – Wednesday Guildhall Square (rides & stalls) 11am – 9pm.
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[PDF] PLATE J. - Hampshire Field Club & Archaeological Society
THE BARGATE, SOUTHAMPTON, 1814,. WITH ROYAL ARMS AND PAINTINGS OF BEVIS AND ASCUPART. Page 2 .9? THE HERALDRY AND EXTERIOR. DECORATIONS OF THE BARGATE,.
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Southampton's Bargate - the city's most striking symbol - Daily Echo
Jan 27, 2012 · The Bargate or North Gate dates from Norman times, its earliest feature the half-round arch dating from about 1175-1200, forming the core.Missing: pyramidal | Show results with:pyramidal
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Southampton council to hold talks over future of shields on city's ...
Mar 19, 2019 · TALKS are set to take place to discuss whether Southampton's famous Bargate shields should be replaced, as the current ones are “largely ...
[54]
Southampton's Bargate to undergo huge restoration works
Feb 11, 2016 · Once the building has dried out, the stone shields can then be repaired and repainted. Temporary shields will be fitted whilst this work is ...<|control11|><|separator|>