The Porta
Museum | Ely | England | United Kingdom
The Porta, also known as Walpole's Gate, is a historic gate in Ely, Cambridgeshire, originally serving as the main entrance to Ely Monastery. Construction began in 1396 and was completed in 1417 under Prior Walpole. Today, the Porta is part of King's School, a public school.
The Porta is an impressive example of medieval architecture, consisting of a rectangular, five-storey building made of rubble stone with voussoir detailing. At the four corners are square, battlemented towers that project above the parapet. The gate was once the main entrance to the monastery and witnessed numerous historical events, including the passage of travelers, pilgrims, and nobles over many centuries.
Today, the Porta is part of King's School and is used as a school building. Although access to the interior of the building is restricted to the public, the Porta remains a significant landmark in Ely and a fascinating example of medieval architecture.
