Bargate Verified listing

The Bargate is a striking medieval gatehouse located at the northern entrance of Southampton’s historic town centre. Built around 1180 during the Norman period using local stone and flint, the structure served as the primary gateway into the walled city. Over the centuries, it was expanded and modified, including the addition of two large drum towers in the 13th century and a battlemented façade in the late 14th century. The upper rooms historically functioned as a Guildhall and courtroom, while the passage below was used for toll collection and prisoner detention.

Today, the Bargate stands as one of Southampton’s most iconic landmarks and is freely accessible to the public. Visitors can walk through the archway and explore nearby sections of the medieval town walls, which are among the longest surviving in England. Distinctive features of the Bargate include a sundial, a statue of King George III in Roman dress, and eleven heraldic shields on the north façade. Two painted lion statues also guard the entrance, symbolizing civic pride and the city’s long history of self-governance.

There is no entry fee or ticket required to visit the Bargate, as it is open at all times and integrated into the city’s pedestrian pathways. While the interior is not regularly open to the public, the surrounding area occasionally hosts temporary exhibitions, events, and guided history tours. For those interested in Southampton’s rich past, the Bargate provides a fascinating and well-preserved glimpse into the city’s medieval heritage and its role as a historic port and fortified town.