The Arcades are two series of external arches constructed to reinforce the west wall in the mid 14th century. Documentary evidence shows that pre-existing walls of the 12th and 13th century houses were linked by blocking up gateways, windows and lane ends to make a continuous wall, and the arcades constructed on the seaward side to support the machicolations. One series of arches commences at Simnel Street and runs to the Norman House. The other commences south of West Gate and runs to the south western corner. Old prints suggest a third series was once to be found west of the Water Gate.
The Arcade, Western Wall
Photograph, c.2000 showing the northernmost of the two arcades.
The Arcade, Western Wall
An Edwardian postcard showing the Arcade, c.1910
Further reading:
History of Southampton, by Rev. J. S. Davies, p85-89. (HS/h)
Historic Buildings of Southampton, by Philip Peberdy, p42 (HS/k)
A Walk Through Southampton (1802), By H. C. Englefield, p22-25. (HS/h)
Picture of Southampton (1849), by Philip Brannon, p35-36. (HS/h)
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