Barnstaple’s recorded history begins in the reign of King Aethelstan, who died in 939AD. In c1100, Barnstaple Castle was rebuilt in stone. The town walls and gates were probably rebuilt or strengthened at this time. There were four gates: West Gate, or Water Gate, was at the river end of Cross Street (75 metres, or so, further along The Strand from The Funky Munky). The gatehouse has been demolished and only the tree-covered castle mound survives.