Toller's Gate

Toller's Gate, Jamestown, Parlesia

Long a landmark of Jamestown and now protected by the Parlesian Historical Preservation Association, Toller's Gate is an example of the early fortifications of Jamestown. Originally part of the curtain wall encircling Jamestown, Toller's Gate was one of three gates allowing entrance into the town during the late Medieval period. The gate is one of the few remaining fragments of the wall, most having been torn down to make way for construction in the 19th and 20th centuries. Listed on the Parlesian Historic Register of Places in 1969, the gate is a major tourist attraction in Jamestown.

Toller's Gate received its name through its involvement with the Toller family. In the early 15th century, the Toller family lived near the wall as it was built. When the gate was completed, the Duke of Parlesia designated the Toller family as the guardians of the gate. Originally called West Gate until the 17th century, the Toller family maintained the gate as a toll entrance into town. For over 300 years, the Toller family made its fortune by charging a small toll to those entering town through Toller's Gate. The Toller family was granted a peerage in 1710, but retired to the countryside in the 1750's to farm. In 1762, the Jamestown Guards became the protectors of Toller's Gate. By 1900, the gate was one of the few fragments of the curtain wall left standing. The Toller's Gate Society formed in 1909 for the purpose of preserving the gate. The PHPA took over the preservation in 1960.

In 1889, the Kirsch family of Jamestown was created the Counts of Toller's Gate due to the location of their home.