Description of the attraction
Westgate - The West Gate is one of two surviving medieval gates in the old town of Winchester in the UK. Westgate and Kingsgate (King's Gate) are all that remains today of the fortress wall that once surrounded the city and protected it from enemy attacks. The oldest surviving masonry dates from the Anglo-Saxon era. The gate was rebuilt in the XII century, then in the XIII and XIV.
As the gate lost its defensive function, it turned into a city prison for drunkards and debtors. You can still see inscriptions carved by prisoners on the walls.
In the 19th century, the Winchester City Council established a museum in the interior of the gate, and the city's archives are also kept here. A large collection of ancient measures and weights and weapons, everyday objects is exhibited here. A beautiful ceiling painting was made in 1554 especially for the wedding of Queen Mary and Philip of Spain.
Steep steps lead to the very top of the gate, from where a beautiful view of the city opens. The museum provides a variety of entertainment for children.
