East Gate, Lincoln Castle. This gateway, the main, and only, entrance to the castle until the blocked up West Gate was opened up some years ago, would have been of wood - as would all the Castle walls. Much of the original structure, dating from 1068, was destroyed by a fire in 1113 which resulted in the damaged wooden walls being replaced by stone ones. During the 13th century two inner towers were added which strengthened the gateway. The Gothic arch then became the face of the new East Gate. The present wooden gates date from the 18th century and are mounted in the old portcullis slots. In the foreground stand two old Cannons once used in the 19th century as gateposts at a local brewery, they were rescued by the local museum in 1911. Restored, they have stood outside the Castle entrance since 1983.
