The Westgate
The Westgate is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Canterbury audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~30 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Canterbury Canterbury guide
About The Westgate
England's largest surviving medieval city gate, twin ragstone towers of about 1380 over the main street, later the city gaol, with a rooftop view straight to the cathedral.
The Westgate is a medieval gatehouse guarding the western entrance to Canterbury, said to be the largest surviving city gate in England. Its twin round towers, about 18 metres high and built of Kentish ragstone, went up around 1379–1380 on the site of earlier Roman and Norman gates. Construction was funded by Archbishop Simon Sudbury, who was beheaded in the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. It is the last survivor of Canterbury's seven medieval city gates.
Its defences included gun-ports for early cannon, among the earliest in England, a portcullis and murder holes over the passage. From 1453 into the 19th century it served as the city gaol. A Grade I listed building and scheduled monument, it now houses the Westgate Towers Museum and a rooftop viewpoint. A council proposal to demolish it in 1859 was defeated by a single vote.
Did you know? The Westgate is said to be the largest surviving city gate in England and the last of Canterbury's seven medieval gates. A proposal to demolish it in 1859 was defeated by a single vote.
How long should you spend at The Westgate?
Plan about ~30 min at The Westgate. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is The Westgate worth visiting?
The Westgate is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Canterbury, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Canterbury
Day 1 of the Canterbury in 2 days itinerary →
Updated:
Hear the story of The Westgate
Preview the Canterbury tour free in the Gingerguide app.