Tucked away in Embankment gardens these gates once in front of York House leading directly onto the Thames. York House was one of the mansions on the Strand built around 1237 for the Bishops of Norwich. Although it was not known as York house until 1556 when acquired by the Archbishop of York. The water gates pictured here were an addition in 1626 during the period the property was owned by George Villers 1st Duke of Buckingham.Construction of Embankment in Victorian times meant the gates were no longer on the Thames banks. Where York House once stood is now modern office buildings. The gates do seem a little out of place but are a reminder of what once was here.
