The History and Antiquities of London, Westminster, Southwark, and Parts Adjacent, vol. 3
Allen, Thomas
1827
Newgate.
This gate was situated at the distance of feet south-west from the spot where Aldersgate did stand; and it is the opinion of most of our antiquarians, that it obtained its name from being erected | |
595 | in the reign of Henry I. several years after the original gates of the city. |
Howel dissents from this opinion, and asserts that it was only repaired in the above mentioned reign, and that it was anciently denominated Chamberlain gate: but if this be true, it is very extraordinary that this gate is not once mentioned before the conquest. | |
It appears, however, from ancient records, that it was called Newgate, and was a common jail for felons taken in the city of London, or the county of Middlesex, as early as the year ; and that so lately as the year , Newgate, and not the Tower, was the prison for the nobility and great officers of state. Newgate, being much damaged by the fire of London in was repaired in the year . | |
The west side of this gate was adorned with ranges of Tuscan pilasters with their entablatures, and in the intercolumniations were niches, in of which was a figure representing Liberty, having the word inscribed on her cap; and at her feet a cat, in allusion to the story of sir Richard Whittington. | |
The east side of the gate was likewise adorned with a range of pilasters, and in niches the figures of Justice, Mercy, and Truth. | |
