Tags
Abbeys, architecture, Bristol, Church architecture, English Heritage, gatehouse, Grade I listed, Great Gatehouse Bristol, Listed building, Monastic buildings, Norman, Norman arches
The carriage gateway.
This magnificent archway, which once formed part of St. Augustine’s Abbey and now finds itself adjoining Bristol Central Library, opposite College Green. Bristol Past.com informs me that this was once the inner gate of the Abbey. The outer gate would have let in any weary traveller, but the inner gate would have reserved the inner courtyard for members of the monastic community and noble visitors.
The postern gate.
This gatehouse has two archways, one for wheeled traffic and one for pedestrians, which is something I haven’t noticed anywhere else before. If you are planning a visit to Bristol Cathedral make sure you don’t miss this English Heritage Grade I listed architectural wonder, which is just next door, but could be easily missed if you are not aware of it.
The Antics Roadshow blog 