The four original gates were on the North, South, East, and West. They were Aldersgate to the north, Ludgate to the west, Aldgate to the east, and Bridgegate to the south, over the Thames. At the start of the 14th century, there were many gates which had been added over the years. Some, like the one next to the Tower, had long since disappeared, leaving only crumbling stone and foundations. There were seven main gates, with Newgate being the latest addition to Aldgate, Aldersgate, Bishopsgate, Moorgate, Ludgate, and Cripplegate. For some reason, the Bridgegate is not counted among these today. They are now referred to as the “Seven gates to the City”.

The name was probably derived from the word Ealth, (an owner or builder). Some historians believe that it is a deviation of ‘Old gate’. It comprised of two sets of double gates, and two portcullis'. After rebuilding in the 13th century, it was described as being strongly arched, with bulwarks of stone from Caen in Normandy. It also contained small brick called Flanders tiles. Another entrance to the city was made in 1415 near Coleman Street. It was called The Postern at Moregate. This was to allow the people access to the field, or moor, for recreational purposes. Due to the bad drainage of the area, bridges and dikes were built. The level of the ground was gradually filled over the years to try to improve the drainage, and was eventually as high as the city wall. Demolished in 1761. There is now a mobile phone shop on the site.

Presumed to have been built by a Bishop of London, there is no mention of his name. It's purpose was to allow travellers a route to Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridge. Stow tells of the inconvenience before the gate was built. Until then, you would leave the city by Aldgate, travel east to Mile's End (Mile End) and turn left to Bleten Hall Green (Bethnal Green) via Cambridge Heath. Failing this, you could always use Aldersgate, off Aldersgate Street into Goswell Street. This took you on to Isledon (Islington) to the stone cross at the end of Golden Lane, left into Alder Street (Old Street?) to Sewers Ditch (Shoreditch) church. Then on to Tottenham, and End Field (Enfield).

This gate was said to have been named after the cripples who went there to beg. It was also thought to possess miraculous powers due to the fact that some cripples who passed through it, were made whole again. You may think me cynical, but if true, I would assume that this was purely because they had earned enough money that day by acting crippled, and were now on their way to the tavern. This still goes on today, with perfectly fit young men, with a dog in tow for the sympathy vote, leave their pitch at the end of the day to drive home in a new car. This makes it bad for the genuine cases. Try giving some food, instead of cash, but be prepared for the volley of abuse you will receive in return. I diverse, sorry about that! Back to the gate. The name is more likely to have come from the Old English word Crepel, which means sunken, or narrow gate.