Warwick delight after East Gate gets some special attention

Work on a Warwick landmark which has welcomed people into the town for over 900 years has been completed.



The East Gate in Warwick is a Grade Two listed monument and has stood at the top of Smith Street since the 11th century, with St Peter’s Chapel above it since 1420.

The clock on the archway has been at a standstill for many years but, thanks to the efforts of owner Bob Newman, it has now started ticking once again.

Mr Newman said: “The East Gate has been almost fully renovated now, the work on the clock is all done.

“We have worked on the whole works both inside and on the dials on the outside.

“The East Gate is such a great feature, and it is one the definitive landmarks of Warwick. The clock hasn’t worked for some years but we have spent a lot of money on fully restoring the building.

“It was just falling into a state of ruin before we bought it, about 18 months ago, but now is back to what it should be.”

People in the town have praised Mr Newman for his work on restoring one of the most prized landmarks in Warwick.

Heritage champion for Warwick District Council Cllr Elizabeth Higgins (Con, Warwick West) said: “I think it’s absolutely wonderful they have restored it. It’s marvellous that the clock is working again and with EG gilded upon it.

“It has been years since it last worked. Kings High had said they couldn’t mend it because the floor was so unsafe it was not fit to put a ladder up inside to get to the clock, but work was done on the floors which made that possible. Work has been done inside and out and it has been repainted, I’m absolutely delighted.

“It is so beautiful, my congratulations to the Newmans for restoring it. It has been stunningly done inside.”

Chairman of the Warwick Society James Mackay said: “We’re delighted that the building is being cared for. We know that there is a great deal more still to come. It is excellent to see someone looking after the building.”

The landmark is now available as a place to stay for tourists, with three nights from around £600.

There has been debate over whether it is East Gate or Eastgate, but is listed as East Gate with English Heritage.