Water gate

Fortified gate from a castle or town wall to a quay, river side, or harbour
A 19th-century image of the long-demolished Water Gate at Bristol Castle, England
Newport Castle in Wales, showing a 14th-century watergate directly beneath the central tower, allowing access to and from the tidal River Usk

A watergate (or water gate) is a fortified gate, leading directly from a castle or town wall directly on to a quay, river side or harbour. In medieval times it enabled people and supplies to reach the castle or fortification directly from the water, and equally allowed those within the castle direct access to water transport.[1]

Examples

  • The Waterpoort, known as the symbol of Sneek
  • Bristol Castle
  • Newport Castle
  • Southampton Castle
  • The Traitors' Gate at the Tower of London

See also

  • Irrigation gate
  • Moat

References

  1. ^ Marilyn Stokstad, Medieval Castles, p.175

External links

  • Media related to Watergates at Wikimedia Commons


  • v
  • t
  • e
Stub icon

This castle-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

  • v
  • t
  • e