Constructed C.1180 -during the reign of the rather controversial Henry II- the Bargate is one of the most quintessential examples of medieval defence not only locally but throughout the country. Despite this, the Bargate is greater than the facade it displays, from scurrilous plots, royal ramblings and at one point even holding prisoners, the Bargate has served the city of Southampton staunchly. So, what stories can the Bargate tell and how does Totton link to this astonishing example of medieval architecture?
The construction of the Bargate
Originally constructed as the entrance to Southampton, it was first erected in C.1180 out of both stone and flint. Moderations first came in 1290, with the addition of two drum towers equipped with arrow slit windows. In 1400, the fortified anterior was added, allowing for the further installment of heavy artillery guns. Various statues and monuments have since been prepended, including a (quite bizarre) bust of King George III dressed as Roman emperor Hadrian.
A tale of Treason
Widely regarded as one of England’s greatest military victories, the battle of Agincourt (martialled by King Henry V) took place on the 25th of October, 1415. Days before the English fleet left for France however, it became apparent to the King that three of his closest regents were plotting to overthrow him. The three men: Thomas Grey of Heton, Earl Richard of Cambridge and Henry Scrope, were all tried for treason and subsequently found guilty in an abnormally hasty trial. In the days ensuing, the conspirators were all executed beneath the Bargate, likely with Henry present.
A religious rant
During his younger years, the notorious Henry VIII was described as a devout catholic. Simultaneously, Martin Luther began preaching his ideas, introducing and preaching his new theology, protestantism. In an attempt to perhaps gain favour with the pope, Henry took to the Bargate in 1529, using it in a stage like fashion to criticise and excoriate Luther’s ideas. It was due to such an action -along with a book he wrote condemning Luther- that Henry earned the title “Defender of the faith”. Eventually, Henry would break away from the catholic church in the pursuit of annulling his marriage with Catherin of Aragon, perhaps rendering his actions that day futile. Nevertheless, the Bargate served as a pedestal for King Henry VIII to purvey his ideas.
Heraldic crests
Yet, as a rather minute perhaps negligible detail of the Bargate backdrop for these tales, is a direct association to Totton. On the face of the Bargate, eleven unique heraldic shields from the local noble families are situated. Amongst these shields, two originate from Totton- The Pawlett family and the Leighs of Testwood. Their shields are (although damaged) still visible today, their crests displaying a forgotten history of dynastic control in our local area. Testwood house in the north of Totton was once owned by the Pawlett family and whilst less is known of the Leighs of Testwood, one member of the family -Thomas Leigh- was granted the freedom of Southampton in 1620 due to his services to the city.
A stage fit for a King, a trove of history from countless periods, a prison and even the backdrop for a treasonable execution, the Bargate is an iconic Southampton landmark. Its history is unwavering and its link to Totton, whilst fading, is undeniable.
Written by Jack Harris
