Southampton’s Historic Walls.(59).

Southampton’s Historic Walls-circa-1175.

The important Bargate, or North Gate, is the oldest feature- it is the twelve-century Norman semi-circular arch. Of the present walls which exist, public access is possible to view most of the ‘old walls’.  Over the years the Bargate has been used for  a variety of purposes ; a prison; ‘Court Leet sessions; ‘Mayor Making’; banquets, etc.; the upper floor-the ‘Guildhall’ currently a private arts’  exhibits venue-public access when open via a steep staircase. Ground floor spaces not well cared for.  Courtesy  Phillip Peberdy’s ‘Bargate Guildhall Museum-Southampton’-1967. An interesting & detailed publication (No. 2).