Priory Tower, Gulson Road, Round Tower, New Gate Foundations

May 1935

PRIORY TOWER (Continued)

One piece of wood which was found was so straight that it was probably a level. Many hammers were brought to light, one with claws like a blacksmith's hammer, and with the shaft complete, made of ash, which could be even now of serviceable use. Blacksmiths' punches, horses' bits, harness buckles, spurs, stirrups, a large brass bowl pinched at the rim with pliers, a "bleeding" bowl of pewter and small razor complete, a number of knives with maker's marks, pewter spoons, and other articles too numerous to mention. Under the floor of the tower, which was of stone, and about nine inches thick, was a spoke-shave, and the small hammer which would be used in tapping the knife in or out as required - it is very crude, having an oak frame, with an iron knife. I should be glad to know if any other similar has been discovered of this age or period.

NEW GATE

The foundations of this gate have been revealed during this past month. New Gate was the first gate to be built, and the tenth Mayor of Coventry, Richard Stoke, laid the first stone. It was the gate leading to London, therefore a very important one. For thirteen years the White Friars had stood unprotected, and now this wall and gate were to enclose it. The Friars helped in the building of the wall, and also it was their duty to keep it in repair from New Gate to Gosford Gate. This gate was taken down in 1762. It was here where Charles I. tried to enter the City, failing in the attempt. A roadway running from the inner gate of the White Friars to New Gate and White Friars Lane (possibly on the site of the present White Friars Street) was called "Batchelor's Walk."

ROUND TOWER

A round tower stood at the corner of Gulson Road, and formed part of the White Friars Church, where a spire stood on a tower containing bells; but another round tower stood at the corner of the wall where it turned northwards at the bottom of Gulson Road, where Herbert's Row stood on the foundations of the wall. The foundations of this tower have recently been discovered. The round tower was 15-ft, to 20-ft. in width. It is said there were thirty-two towers, and also twelve or thirteen gates.