Sotonopedia

Biddle's Gate
This name is apparently a corruption of Beadle’s Gate, the name during the 15th to 17th centuries of the small gate in the west wall at the west end of Simnel Street. Today only part of its tower remains. The name appears to derive from a town beadle who held property immediately adjacent and was probably officially responsible for the gate. An earlier name, found in the 1454 Terrier, is Fish Gate because of its proximity to the quay that was used for landing fish; another is Pilgrim’s Gate from the nearby Pilgrim's Pit. An early 19th century version, Bridle’s Gate, may also cause some confusion.
Biddle’s Gate Salient
Formerly a salient of the town wall north of Simnel Street projecting out into the middle of what later became Western Esplanade.
Biddles Quay
In the late medieval period this quay was situated outside the town’s west wall, apparently between Blue Anchor Postern and Biddle’s Gate.

Biddle's Gate

Henry Englefield’s drawing of the West Wall, showing Biddle’s Gate on the left, c.1801.

Biddle's Gate

A modern view of the site of the gate, 2015.

Further reading:
History of Southampton, by Rev. J. S. Davies, p84-85. (HS/h)
Southampton Archaeological Society Bulletin, no. 14, p4, 6. (HS/f)
Southampton Occasional Notes 2nd series, by ‘Townsman’, p17. (HS/h)

Navigation

Get Involved

If you wish to

• suggest additional information for this entry
• suggest amendments to this entry
• offer your own research
• make a comment

then fill in the form on the Contact page.