A historic entrance to the Precincts of Canterbury Cathedral has been reopened following a “tidal wave of anger” from residents.

There were protests when bosses at the landmark closed public access through the Quenin Gate in the city wall, on the grounds that it would make it safer for King’s School pupils who are based there.

The Cathedral was accused of “stripping away a bit of Canterbury’s history” from residents who regularly used the Precincts as a shortcut across the city but found themselves banned from doing so.

The entrance in Lower Bridge Street is thought to have been built into the city walls in 270AD and is the only remaining one of the five original gates into the Roman city.

The Dean, the Very Revd Dr David Montieth, later admitted the Cathedral had “got it wrong” and reversed the decision early in the year.

Now, following recruitment of new security guards, the access was re-opened to pass holders on Monday, with residents who had previously objected among those in attendance.

The move marked a significant U-turn by the Cathedral’s governing chapter, which had previously insisted the closure had been made in the interest of the security of King’s pupils.

Last September, a Cathedral spokesman explained: “No school in the UK allows unmanaged public access to their site.

“There is not, and never has been, a public right of way or right of access to the Cathedral Precincts – or a right to use specific gates.”

It defended its position in the face of complaints from Prof Sean Sayers and Phil Poole, who formed the Canterbury Cathedral Precincts Access Group.

Speaking at the time, Prof Sayers, 79, of Havelock Street, said: “I’ve always gone in through Quenin Gate, walked through the Precincts and into the city centre.

“It’s a lovely, safe, peaceful, beautiful way of going into town - why shouldn’t I be able to do so?”

Though the decision was reversed some months ago, a Cathedral spokesman said it had not been possible to reopen Quenin Gate until the required Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks had been obtained for the new “gate control officers”.

On Monday, the Dean said: “I am happy we can finally reopen Quenin Gate, and I appreciate the patience of local residents – including the Canterbury Cathedral Precincts Access Group, who we have worked closely with – while we waited for our new gate control officers to start.”

“Two things have brought about this happy result - the huge tidal wave of anger at the decision and the welcoming attitude of Dean David Monteith ...”

The change of heart has been welcomed by Prof Sayers, who said: “ We are delighted that the Quenin Gate is being reopened to Cathedral pass holders.

“Two things have brought about this happy result: the huge tidal wave of anger at the decision to restrict access to the Precincts, and the welcoming attitude of Mr David Monteith and the Chapter and their decision to reopen them. With this, the immediate aims of our campaign have been achieved.”

Anyone who is a member of a church in the diocese, a member of the Cathedral Congregation, a local resident, or someone who works in the city of Canterbury, can apply for a new cathedral pass to enjoy unlimited visits to Canterbury Cathedral and its grounds for £6. Go to www.canterbury-cathedral.org for more information.