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Bargate
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Bargate is a building in the city centre of Southampton, England. Constructed in Norman times as part of the fortified walled city, the Bargate was the main point of entry and exit to and from the north. Since Southampton is on the south coast, this made the Bargate the main gateway to the city.
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The room above the gate itself has known several uses. It was originally used as the city's guildhall, until the 1770s.[1]
In 1765, a passage was cut through the eastern side of the arch for pedestrians. A further passage through the western side was added later.[2]
Following the establishment of Southampton's police force in February 1836, the upper room was used as a prison.[3]
The Bargate Shopping Centre was built next to the structure itself in 1989.[2]
After being closed to the public for several years, the upper room was opened on October 22 2002 as an art gallery.[1]
- ^ a b Bargate Gallery - a brief history (Accessed 22nd February 2007)
- ^ a b Lambert, Tim: A brief history of Southampton (Accessed 22nd February 2007)
- ^ Hampshire Constabulary History Society: The Southampton Police Force 1836 - 1956 (Accessed 22nd February 2007)