St Johns Abbey Gate
St John's Abbey Gate, St John's Street, Boston, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EZ
This pinnacled gatehouse, elaborately decorated in East Anglian 'flushwork', is the sole survivor of the wealthy Benedictine abbey of St John. It was built around 1400 to strengthen the abbey's defences following the Peasants' Revolt.
Later part of the mansion of the Royalist Lucas family, the gatehouse was bombarded and stormed by Parliamentarian soldiers during the Civil War siege.
Timings
- Sunday 13 September:
- 10:00 - 16:00
- Saturday 19 September:
- 10:00 - 16:00
- Sunday 20 September:
- 10:00 - 16:00
Location & directions
St John's Abbey Gate, St John's Street, Boston, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EZ
- Directions:
- No parking on site but charged public parking, not managed by English Heritage, is available close by. The nearest are Napier Road North and St John's car parks. Bus access - Bus services to/from Colchester are provided by Beestons (of Hadleigh) Chambers (of Bures), First Essex, Hedingham Omnibuses, Regal Busways, Stephensons of Essex and Network Colchester. Train access - Colchester Town 1⁄4 mile
- Contact on day:
- Rob Negus
- Telephone number:
- +447780837235
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The two-storey gatehouse with battlemented roof. There are no facilities on site but it is just south of Colchester town centre and close to Colchester Town railway station. There are toilets at the station.
Additional information
The exterior can be viewed at any reasonable time during daylight hours. The interior is open occasionally for Heritage Open Days.
