TOWER HILL

This section of the wall was originally conjoined to a postern gate. A postern gate is a small exit and entrance to a castle or fort although this gate was not directly connected to the tower. It was not one of the original six gates and would have been built probably later than the 1270s since it was then that a moat was dug around the tower. It was intended for the use of pedestrians and light traffic. Unfortunately the proximity of the gate to the water filled moat presented a constant threat to the foundations and in 1440 the gate partially collapsed. The gate was repositioned but it was poorly constructed from wood and the negligence resulted in " persons of lewde life " inhabiting the area, a reminder that areas, historically, that are poorly maintained will attract dregs and undesirables - a factor that was recognised in New York and helped to drive down their crime rate, but that's another story. The gate eventually became derelict and dissapeared altogether by the 18th century.




The surviving wall reaches a height of 35 feet (10.5m). The Roman part of the wall can still be seen and rises to a height of 14.5 feet (4.4m). The area above this dates from the medieval period and the parts of wall that jut out are medieval refacings. Originally it would have reached a height around 20 feet (6.3m) but medieval repairs took it to its present elevation. The Romans were master builders and didn't afford any loss in technique in the construction of such an important defensive wall. The foundation was made of flint and rammed clay. The wall interior comprised rubble and mortar. At regular intervals a layer of red flat tile was laid for extra strength and durability - these can be seen exposed in the lower portion of the image. Sandwiching the core were brick like blocks of coursed Kentish ragstone - coursed meaning laid out horizontally. Outside the wall a V shaped ditch was dug for extra security.