Watergate (architecture)

For other uses of "Watergate", see Watergate (disambiguation).

"Water gate" redirects here. For the U.S. political scandal, see Watergate scandal.

File:Water Gate to Bristol Castle.jpg

A 19th-century image of the long-demolished Water Gate at Bristol Castle, England

File:Newport Castle.jpg

Newport Castle in Wales, showing a 14th-century watergate directly beneath the central tower, allowing access to and from the tidal River Usk

A watergate (or water gate) is a fortified gate, leading directly from a castle or town wall directly on to a quay, river side or harbour. In mediaeval times it enabled people and supplies to reach the castle or fortification directly from the water, and equally allowed those within the castle direct access to water transport.

Examples

• Bristol Castle
• Newport Castle
• Southampton Castle
• The Traitors' Gate at the Tower of London