St Martin's Gate (1905)
by E.A.Phipson

St Martin's Gate or Clapgate led east from the city walls into the open countryside of Blockhouse Fields until this area became heavily built-up in the 19th century. This view by E.A.Phipson in 1905 shows some of the earlier cottages which stood outside the wall. Although medieval suburbs developed near the city gates, their growth was not encouraged, except where they provided a home for industrial activity such as smithing or tanning, which was noxious or required space which was limited within the walls. Most of the suburbs around the walls of Worcester were largely destroyed during the Civil War, but were rebuilt and developed rapidly from the 18th century.