Medieval Leicester was about 100 acres in area and was enclosed by walls
which, it is thought, followed the lines of the original walls of the Roman
town. The town walls followed the lines of what are now Soar Lane, Sanvey Gate,
Church Gate, Gallowtree Gate, Horsefair Street to the River Soar and along the
town side of the river.
The four gates provided the main entrances into the
town. They have been described as fortress-like, with guardrooms and dungeons
above the gates themselves, and each had a portcullis. The gates were closed
from sunset to sunrise and were guarded day and night. All four gates were very
low and narrow and farm carts bringing produce could not pass through them.
The
sale of goods had to take place on what is now the Clock Tower site, outside the
East Gate. For the same reason, the town's main coaching inns were built outside
the old walls. The four gates were demolished and sold for building material in
1774.
Blue Plaques are located near the sites of the four gates.
