By the 18th and 19th centuries, the gates were in the way. Traffic was a nightmare even for horse-drawn carts. The city just said, “Sorry, old friends, but you’re blocking the cappuccino route.” One by one, they were demolished. The last one, Temple Bar (which was a gate, not an alumni bar), was moved to a park in 1878. Yes, they moved a gate to a park. Because why not?
The Gates Of The City Of London - YouTube
Today, all the original gates are gone. But you can still find their ghosts. Look at the pavement in the City, and sometimes you’ll see brass markers or stones where the gates once stood. It’s like a treasure hunt for architecture nerds. Plus, the names live on: Aldersgate Street, Bishopsgate, Moorgate. The streets carry the memory.
There’s also a little-known fact: the dragon statues you see around the City boundaries mark where the gates would be. Those winged lizards? They’re the guardians of the City. Don’t worry, they don’t breathe fire—they just look super cool for selfies.
