The north gate of the walled town, the Bargate demarcates High Street (to the south) from Above Bar Street (to the north). Its name derives from the bar used to halt traffic for the town broker to exact tolls. It was, therefore, the most important gate in the medieval town. The upper chamber also housed the medieval town’s administration in the ‘Gyhelde’ or Guidhall (image 2); the lower storey housed the gaol as well as the broker’s office. Between 1616 and 1856 the Court Leet was also held here. The monument served as the police headquarters for the city during the Second World War