Kaleyard Gate, Chester

Kaleyard Gate is a postern breach in Chester City Walls, a smaller affair compared to other Chester's gates. It consists of a simple narrow opening in the sandstone wall, equipped with a stout oak door.

Back in the 13th century, the monks of St Werburgh's Abbey developed a vegetable garden (known as kaleyard) outside the City Walls. They wanted an easier access to it than the devious walk through Eastgate, so the Abbot petitioned Edward I in 1275 to allow them to make a shortcut through the wall directly into the garden. This was allowed under certain conditions, one of which was that the gate must be locked at nightfall.

In those troubled times, when the risk of armed attack was a deadly reality, all the city gates were closed at curfew – 8.00pm – and at times of danger. After Henry VIII's dissolution of monasteries, the duty of securing Kaleyard Gate fell to the Dean & Chapter of the newly-created Cathedral.

The curfew is still rung from the Cathedral's belfry at 8.45 each evening and the Kaleyard Gate is locked at 9 o'clock sharp, to be re-opened at sunrise. It is the only remaining city gate at which this ancient custom, originated in the Norman law of couvre feu ('cover fire' – to ensure the safety of the largely timber-built town, all fires had to be extinguished – which gave rise to the modern curfew), is still observed.

A few years ago, out of concern that the Cathedral staff may be assaulted while carrying out their duty, the evening locking of the Gate was discontinued. However, in June 2012, the ancient practice was resumed and is now carried out by a Cathedral Constable, an office established in December 2011 to look after the security of the Cathedral and its Estate.