Shipgate

The Shipgate is a sandstone arch standing in Grosvenor Park, Chester, Cheshire, England.

History

The archway originally provided an entrance to the city from the area of the docks on the banks of the River Dee. It stood in the southern section of the walls to the west of Bridgegate. The arch was constructed by the Norman earls in the early 12th century when Chester city walls were extended to the south and west of those built by the Romans to defend the fortress of Deva Victrix.[1][2] In the early 19th century the goal at Northgate was knocked down and a new goal was built at the southern extremity of the city. When the goal yard was added, it necessitated the demolition of the section of the wall that included the Shipgate.[1][3] The structure was moved in 1831 to the southwestern corner of Grosvenor Park where it now stands.[4]

Description

Shipgate is constructed in red sandstone and consists of a round arch with "simple jambs, minimal wing walls and simple voussoirs".[5] It has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade II listed building.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b Thacker, A. T.; Lewis, C. P., eds. (2005), "Major buildings: City walls and gates", A History of the County of Chester, Victoria County History (University of London & History of Parliament Trust) 5 (2): pp. 213–225, http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=57326, retrieved 15 July 2011 
  2. ^ Ward 2009, pp. 37, 39.
  3. ^ Ward 2009, p. 81.
  4. ^ The Old Shipgate Arch, Cheshire West and Chester, http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/sport_and_leisure/countryside/parks_and_open_spaces/grosvenor_park/other_features.aspx, retrieved 15 July 2011 
  5. ^ a b "The Old Shipgate, Grosvenor Park", The National Heritage List for England (English Heritage), 2011, http://list.english-heritage.org.uk/resultsingle.aspx?uid=1375833, retrieved 15 July 2011 
Bibliography