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West Gate, Ipswich

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Painting of West Gate by George Frost

West Gate (also Barre Gate), Ipswich was part of the medieval town defences of Ipswich, a prominent town in Suffolk, England. It was located at the western end of the main thoroughfare running east–west through the original settlement and which provided a focus for habitation since the eighth century.[1] Although demolished in the 1780s, it has lent its name to West Gate Street, Westgate Ward, Ipswich and St Margaret's and Westgate Division, Suffolk.

Medieval origins

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In medieval times it was known as Barre Gate, and is labelled such on John Speed's Map of Ipswich (1610). The Latin equivalent of that name – portas barratas – appears on a deed dating to 1343.[1] In 1352 Edward III granted a licence to crenellate Gippewico (Ipswich) to the Homines de Gippewico.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b Alsford, Stephen. "Ipswich and suburbs at the close of the Middle Ages". users.trytel.com. Stepehn Alsford. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  2. ^ Davis, Philip. "The Gatehouse website record of a licence to crenellate for Ipswich granted on 1352 July 22". www.gatehouse-gazetteer.info. Philip Davis. Retrieved 27 July 2021.