The Cradle Tower was built between 1348–55 for Edward III as his private watergate into the castle.  He used it when he arrived by boat. It is richly decorated with ribbed vaults supported by carvings of crowns and animals. The gate was defended by a drawbridge and two portcullises – the groove for one still survives above the main doorway.  This was one of two porters’ lodges which flanked the entrance. There is a hearth in it to keep the guard warm. A staircase in the opposite room led upstairs. The upper part of the tower was entirely rebuilt in the 19th century.