In 1547, King Henry VIII of England was trying to force a marriage between the infant Mary, Queen of Scots and his son Edward. At this time, the Royal Court at Stirling was continually under attack and the Town Wall was built as a defence.The wall had gates which allowed passage in and out of the town.
The main gate was the 'Barrasyett' which stood at the junction of Dumbarton Road and Port Street. There were other gates at Upper Bridge Street, Friars Street and by the Thistle Centre.The wall defended the Southern perimeter of the town . On the Northern side, householders were required to maintain their garden walls to an adequate height.