CRIPPLEGATE Meaning and
Definition
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Cripplegate is a term with multiple meanings, referring to a specific area in London, as well as a former gate that once stood in the city's defensive wall during medieval times.
In the context of London, Cripplegate is an area located in the northwest part of the city's historic financial district. It encompasses a district, a ward, and a street, all of which share the same name. Historically, Cripplegate was one of the original entrances into the city through its protective wall. The area is named after a small gate known as Cripplegate, which was constructed in the 13th century and served as a gateway through the city walls. Today, only fragments of the original structure remain, as it was heavily damaged during the Great Fire of London in 1666 and later demolished.
Cripplegate can also refer to a ward, one of the 25 administrative divisions of the City of London, which holds municipal functions such as elections and local representation. As a street name, it refers to a major thoroughfare that stretches through the district, connecting various neighborhoods and commercial areas in the city.
Etymology of CRIPPLEGATE
The word "Cripplegate" has its origins in Old English. It is derived from the words "crepel", meaning a covered way or underground passage, and "geat", meaning gate. The term was used to refer to a gate located in the original London Wall, a defensive wall constructed around the city of London during the Roman period. This gate, named "Crepelgate", allowed passage through the wall and served as an entrance to the area known as Cripplegate, which was also home to a medieval church called St. Giles-without-Cripplegate. Over time, the name "Crepelgate" evolved into "Cripplegate", and the word came to represent not only the gate but also the surrounding area.
