Moorgate

   In London Wall, adjoining Old Bethlehem Hospital on the west, and leading into Finsbury (Rocque, 1746).

   This gate was originally only a postern in the City Wall and not one of the larger and more important of the City Gates.

   It is described in 13 H. IV. 1411-12 as a postern in the north wall, between the gate of Bisshopesgate and Crepylgate leading across the ditch to "le More" (Cal. L. Bk. I. p. 101).

   In 3 H. V. 1415 it was enacted by ordinance that the little postern built of old in the City Wall and leading to the Moor should be pulled down, and a new and larger one built to the westward of it, with a gate to be shut at night and at other fitting times (Cal. L. Bk. I. p.137).

   Stow says it was rebuilt in 1472 and improved in 1511 (S.33).

   It was pulled down in 1672 and a new gate of stone erected (Strype, 1720, I. I. 17).

   It was condemned with the other gates in 1761 and the materials sold for £166. It was finally demolished in 1762 and the stones repurchased by the Corporation to be used, with the stones of the other gates, to support the starlings of the newly widened centre arch of London Bridge.

   So named as being the gate leading out to the Moor, which encompassed the City Wall on that side.