Blue Plaque - Cripplegate

The Blue Plaque at the London Wall Walk, St Alphage Garden, Barbican, London EC2Y 8BD, UK, commemorates the site of Cripplegate, a significant historical landmark in London's ancient fortifications. Cripplegate was originally the northern entrance to the Roman fort, constructed around AD 120. This gate remained in use until at least the late Saxon period, as evidenced by mentions in 10th and 11th-century documents. (londonremembers.com)

The name "Cripplegate" has uncertain origins. One theory suggests it derives from the Anglo-Saxon word "crepel," meaning a covered or underground passageway. Another theory posits that it was named after the cripples who used to beg there, supported by the nearby church of St Giles-without-Cripplegate, dedicated to Saint Giles, the patron saint of the disabled. (en.wikipedia.org)

Throughout its history, Cripplegate served various purposes. It was rebuilt in the 1490s and fortified with a portcullis after the restoration of Charles II in 1660. The gate was eventually demolished in 1760, and much of Cripplegate was gone by the 19th century, with only small fragments surviving today. (en.wikipedia.org)

The area surrounding the former gate has undergone significant redevelopment. Following World War II, the Cripplegate area, a center of the rag trade, was virtually destroyed. By 1951, the resident population of the City stood at only 5,324, with 48 living in Cripplegate. Discussions began in 1952 about the future of the area, leading to the construction of the Barbican Estate, which opened in 1969. (en.wikipedia.org)

The Blue Plaque serves as a reminder of Cripplegate's historical significance and its role in London's rich heritage.