Town Gates General

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City gates (there were always at least two) controlled the comings and goings of the city dwellers, and collected tolls and duties from traders for goods they brought and sold. The ground level housed the armoury and storage facilities, while the upper level featured an astronomical clock or town clock.
The typical gate tower was a lower or higher rectangular tower with a passageway and a drawbridge over the front moat. The walls of some cities also included a water gate, through which townspeople made their way to a water supply. Special entrances included gates designated for the executioner and his assistants, unclean people, and the so-called Jewish gates.
After closing time, entry into the city was only possible with special permission from the councilors. Those who did not return in time had to sleep outside the walls. The gate was locked with a key, which was kept at night by the Bailiff or the Head of the City Council.

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