Great Gateway, St Albans, April 2020
You may well be thinking that this isn’t a very exciting door, but behind it lies a lot of history. In fact, it is said to be the oldest room in the world regularly used as a classroom.
Now much repaired, the Great Gateway was built in the 1360s by Thomas de la Mare. It was constructed when its predecessor was destroyed by strong winds in 1363.
Great Gateway and Abbey, St Albans, April 2020
The West Gate Room was incorporated from the previous gateway, evidenced by the room’s vaulting being made of 13th-century vaulting-ribs. The gateway is now part of St Albans School, one of the oldest schools in the world, and classes are still held in these ancient rooms.
Copyright Debbie Smyth, 21 May 2020
Posted as part of Norm’s Doors
Travel with Intent 
I wonder what it feels like to be inside such old buildings? Such history! Nice shots.
Pat
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The defused light makes for such a moody set of shots. You can feel the centuries piled one atop the other: beautiful 🙂
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It’s a spot I’m particularly enjoying now there is little traffic through it.
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A good solid door
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Yes, I assume they have replaced the door a few times in the tower’s life.
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It’s a lovely door, Debbie.
janet
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Now that’s impressive.
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