London and its Environs Described, Volume I, Page 150 & 151

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very improbable, though he allows that the Saxons might give it the epithet of Eald or Ald, from the ruinous condition in which they found it when they first possessed themselves of this city. How- ever, the first time it is found mentioned, is in a charter granted by King Edgar about the year 967. Aldgate being very ruinous, was pulled down in the year 1606, and the first stone of the present edifice was laid the next year; but this work was not finished till 1609. It is observable that in digging the foundation, several Roman coins were discovered, two of which Mr. Bond the surveyor caused to be cut on stone, and placed on each side of the east front. On the same side was placed in a large square the statue of King James I. in gilt armour, with a golden lion and a chained unicorn couchant at his feet. On the top of the gate was a vane supported by a gilt sphere, on each side of which stood a soldier holding a bullet in his hand, on the top of the upper battlements. On the west side was a figure of Fortune gilt, and standing on a globe, with a prosper- ous sail spreading over her head; under which was carved the King's arms; some
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what lower on the south side stood Peace with a dove perched on her hand, and a gilded wreath in the other; and on the north side was the emblem of Charity. Over the arch of the gate was also en- graven, Senatus Populusque Londinensis Fecit 1609 Humfrey Weld, Maior. But all these statues have been removed, and none of these ornaments remain, ex- cept the representation of the two Roman coins, and the inscription. The apartments over this gate are ap- propriated to the use of one of the Lord Mayor's carvers. Aldgate high street, extends from Ald- gate to Leadenhall street. Aldgate street, extends without Aldgate, to the north east corner of the Minories. Aldgate Ward, is bounded on the east by Portsoken ward; on the south by Tower street ward; and on the west and north, by the wards of Langbourn, Lime street and Bishopsgate. It extends from Aldgate to Lime street corner in Leaden- hall street, and takes in all the streets
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