London’s ancient gates whisper forgotten tales. They echo through the ages, their stories etched in the very stones of this city. Today we stand before The Starting Gate. But its name evokes a sense of journeys beginning. Yet, the starting gate of London itself began with the city’s ancient walls.
Imagine Londinium, a Roman settlement needing protection. Around the 3rd century AD, a defensive wall rose. It stretched three kilometers. Ragstone from Kent formed its sturdy structure. Towers, bastions, and a defensive ditch added to its strength. This wall was not just a barrier. It was a statement.
The wall needed gates. These controlled access. They became vital points for roads leading out of the city. Ludgate, Newgate, Cripplegate, Bishopsgate, and Aldgate emerged. Each served as a portal to different destinations. They were the original “starting gates”.
These gates weren’t merely holes in a wall. They were complex structures. Medieval gates featured crenelated roofs. Indentations allowed archers to launch arrows. Weaponry was stored within. Prison cells held those who crossed the city. A portcullis could drop swiftly.
The gates controlled more than just movement. They were vital for collecting taxes. A levy called “murage” funded their upkeep. Regulations dictated their operation. An order in 1252 stated gates must open by day. Sergeants stood guard. They watched people entering and leaving. Their task was to prevent evil befalling the City.
Some gates gained reputations. Heads of traitors sometimes adorned them. Limbs of criminals served as grim warnings. Newgate became particularly notorious. It functioned as a prison. Geoffrey Chaucer even leased a room above Aldgate. He lived there for over ten years.
Over time London expanded. The wall became less relevant. It hindered traffic. By 1760, most gates were demolished. Road widening demanded their removal. Yet their names lingered. They marked areas of the city.
Though The Starting Gate is not one of the original seven gates, its name reminds us of them. It evokes the feeling of setting out on a journey. Think of those Roman roads leading outwards. Consider the travelers passing through those ancient gates. They journeyed to Colchester, Cambridge, Oxford, and beyond.
So as you stand here at The Starting Gate, remember London’s history. Remember the walls, the gates and the journeys that began here. The spirit of those ancient portals lives on. It’s a reminder that every destination begins with a single step.