North Gate lock and key (1613)
This massive iron padlock and key were used to secure the North Gate. Its face is inscribed with its date of 1613, which is shown in Roman numerals. The gatehouse was located at the junction of North Gate Street and Lucas Lane. Built in 1578, it was demolished in 1840.
The name of the street today – Northgate Street reflects its time as the location of a gatehouse for almost 200 years. It was very important from about 1570 onwards to have a wall, without one you were seen as a ‘poor naked village’ while having one gave you prestige and offered defence.