More information : (SJ 29232984) Site of (NAT) Beatrice Gate (NR) (1)
Beatrice Gate was named after the daughter of the King of
Portugal, the wife of Thomas, Earl of Arundel, who built the
gate in the time of Henry IV (1399-1413). It bore a coat of
arms which is thought to have been those of Beatrice of
Portugal. The gate was demolished in 1782 and pillars erected on
the site. (2-3)
The site of the gate is unmarked save for a plaque on the
south-west corner of the cross-roads, between Castle Street and
Beatrice Street, inscribed "Site of Beatrice Gate (Removed 1782)
in 13th Century Town Wall. Oswestry District Civic Society,
1972". There are no pillars now marking the site. (4)
Beatrice Gate remained standing for many years after the stretches of town wall joining them had been demolished. This was because they served as convenient toll barriers. In Feburuary 1781 permission was finally secured to demolish the gate. two commemorative pillars were set up on site of the gate but have since been removed to Castle Bank where they flank the entrance steps to the former castle motte. (5) |