Berkshire History for Kids: Abbey Inner Gateway

Which kept the Monks Separate

This is the gateway which separated the monks in the abbey 'enclave' from the people in the outside world.
It was a strong building with huge wooden doors.
A monk called the 'porter' looked after the gate. He sat in a room within the gateway watching who was coming and going. He decided whether to let them in or out, or not.
Only big abbeys, like Reading & Abingdon, had Inner gateways. Some only had outer gates.
A monk called the 'almoner' would regularly give 'alms' (food and clothing) to the poor at the gate.
The Inner Gateway at Reading can still be seen today, next to the Crown Court. The room above the gate was used for meetings with the townsfolk.