​Waxhouse Gate

The route from the Clock Tower to the Abbey Cathedral takes you through the passageway known as Waxhouse Gate. Providing pedestrian access from the town to the Abbey, the Waxhouse Gate is an open passage through the ground floor of 15 High Street. Originally there was a Gothic arch but round stone archways and brick work were inserted in the 18th century. It may once have been Sacrist’s Gate which existed in the 1400s and was rebuilt 1420-40 by Abbott Wheathampstead. It is a Grade II listed building. At the north entrance on the east of the arch there is one of St Albans First World War street memorial tablets, which is also listed.

A few years ago the passageway was in a pretty poor state and the Civic Society, with the proprietor of 15 High Street, and the support of St Albans City and District Council, initiated some renovation and redecoration of this important piece of St Albans’ heritage. There is work still to be done to the flanking wall as well as ongoing cleaning and repainting to the lamp-posts that run down to Sumpter Yard. With the an increased footfall of visitors, following the opening of the Museum + Gallery at the Town Hall and the Visitor Centre at the Abbey Cathedral, this important walkway must be maintained as part of the city’s heritage.