High Street Gate

Part of Salisbury’s heritage quarter, its a gorgeous example of medieval architecture at a more domestic scale than the neighboring cathedral. Lots of quaint shops nearby. Check out the river walk nearby.

Anyone walking from the Cathedral into Salisbury City Centre will most probably walk through this gate. One of four which used to pierce the wall surrounding the cathedral, the High Street (or North Gate) is one of the most attractive.
It was built between 1327 and 1342, when Edward III gave permission for stone from the old site of the City at Old Sarum to be used to erect a wall around the Cathedral precinct. It used to have a portcullis, lowered when the citizens became rebellious, and it is still closed every evening at 23h, and reopened at 6h. It once housed the small lock-​up jail for those convicted of misdeeds within the Close. Beside the gate stands the Porters Lodge. The post of Porter to the Close was much sought-​after by the servants of kings and nobles in the middle ages.
On the Cathedral side, it is decorated with a single statue of a Knight in early 14^th Century armour, whereas the City side is decorated with the Royal Coat of Arms, surrounded by decorative carving. It is framed by attractive buildings on both sides, reflecting the changing architectural styles from mediaeval times to the Victorian period.
On the far (south) side of the Cathedral close is the smaller Harnham Gate — as this was less important, its architecture did not need to impress the townspeople! This gate is also closed overnight. Entering from this gate, you can see some of the classic views of Salisbury Cathedral.