Berkshire History for Kids: Abbey Gateways

Which kept the Monks Separate

There were several gateways in an abbey's walls.
They separated the monks in the abbey 'enclave' from the people in the outside world.
They would be strong buildings with huge wooden doors.
A monk called the 'porter' looked after each 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.
The main rooms in the gateway could be used for lots of things. One at Reading Abbey was a prison.
The gateway at Abingdon Abbey can still be seen today, next to St. Nicholas' Church.