Aldersgate: Encyclopedia - Aldersgate

Aldersgate

Aldersgate was a gate in the London Wall in the City of London, which has given its name to Aldersgate Street, a road leading north from the site of the gate, towards Clerkenwell in the London Borough of Islington.

The old gate was taken down in 1617, and rebuilt in the same year from a design by Gerard Christmas. The gate was damaged in the Great Fire of London, but was repaired and remained until 1761. Aldersgate Street contained the Bishop of London's Chapel and his chambers at London House, which was used from the eighteenth century because it was closer to St Paul's Cathedral than his official residence at Fulham. The street was also the site of the meeting room where John Wesley was converted in 1738, which is marked by a plaque.

Aldersgate Street is near the Barbican Estate and Centre, St Bartholomew's Hospital, and the Museum of London. Northwards it continues into Goswell Road, southwards it becomes St Martin's-le-Grand.

Barbican tube station is located on Aldersgate Street, and was formerly known as Aldersgate station.

Aldersgate is one of 25 wards electing councillors to the Corporation of London.

See also: city gate, city wall

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Aldersgate", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki