Day Gate

The Day Gate is a mechanically actuated entrance to the Concent of Saunt Edhar. It is the controlled point by which visitors from extramuros are admitted and channeled toward the Mynster, specifically into the North Nave to observe rites when such access is permitted.

First Appearance and Context

The Day Gate is described in accounts of movement into the Mynster during a routine aut when an extramuros visitor is present. Visitors admitted through the gate are guided along a path to the north façade portal and into the center aisle of the North Nave to view proceedings across the screen.

Structure and Features

The Day Gate is integrated with the great clock housed in the Mynster’s central tower, the Præsidium. At sunrise and sunset the clock’s main meteorite weight descends more rapidly to provide the power needed to open and close the gate. The clock’s add‑on loads—such as bells, gates, and the Great Orrery just inside the Day Gate—consume most of the energy supplied during winding.

Inside the entrance, visitors encounter the Great Orrery before being directed into the controlled viewing route that leads to the North Nave. The arrangement ensures that extramuros guests can witness ceremonies while remaining separated from the rest of the building’s interior spaces.

Relationships and Functions

• Parent complex: Part of the Concent of Saunt Edhar, serving as its primary daily interface with the outside world.
• Connection to the Mynster: Feeds directly into the Mynster, routing guests to the North Nave.
• Clockwork integration: Operated by the Præsidium’s mechanisms, which time its opening and closing to the sun’s cycle.
• Related timed portals: The Day Gate is one of several clock‑actuated gates, alongside the Year Gate and the Decade Gate, which open on longer cycles using auxiliary weights.

Current Status

In recent times, visitors from extramuros have generally been allowed to enter through the Day Gate to observe services, provided they are not especially contagious and behave appropriately. The gate continues its daily cycle of opening at sunrise and closing at sunset under clock control.