Aldgate

Aldgate was once the eastern gate in London’s old defensive wall, standing where the A11 road leaves the City. The gate gave its name to the surrounding area and the busy street that still runs through it. The name first appeared in 1052 as ‘east gate’ before changing to ‘Alegate’ by 1108. Later writers such as John Stow in the 16th century thought it meant ‘Old Gate’, though others have suggested links to ale or public access. The gate was rebuilt several times, most notably in the early 17th century when it took on a more classical look. Geoffrey Chaucer lived above the gate while working as a customs official from 1374 to 1386. The gate played a part in two historic events. In 1381 thousands of rebels entered London through Aldgate during the Great Rising. In 1471 troops led by the Bastard of Fauconberg forced the gate but were trapped and defeated inside. The gate’s defences included portcullises and chains added in 1377 because of fears of French attack. After it was removed in 1761 to ease traffic, some of its stones were reused in a house at Bethnal Green. The site later became the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. Today the area centres on Aldgate High Street, a short stretch of the old Great Essex Road. Nearby stands the church of St Botolph without Aldgate, first recorded in 1115. The Aldgate Pump, once the starting point for measuring distances to Essex and Middlesex, still marks the spot. A new public square, Aldgate Square, opened in 2018 between the church and The Aldgate School. The square’s café, Portsoken Pavilion, sits beside remains of the old priory visible through an office window. The street pattern and nearby listed buildings preserve traces of the gate’s long history.