Windgate

Windgate is a town and civil parish in the fictional county of Eldershire, located in the Wind River valley about 40 miles southwest of Riverport. The town has a population of roughly 6,500 and serves as a local service center for surrounding rural communities. The landscape includes gentle hills, farmland, and the river, with a temperate climate that supports agriculture and outdoor recreation.

Windgate traces its origins to a medieval market settlement established in the 12th century. It grew as a trading stop on routes linking upland villages to river markets. The arrival of textile mills in the 19th century brought employment and population growth, while later decades saw diversification toward services and small manufacturing. In recent years the town has emphasized heritage conservation and sustainable development.

Governance is provided by Windgate Town Council within the wider framework of Eldershire County Council. The economy relies on retail, health care, education, and logistics, complemented by a growing tourism sector focused on the town’s historic gatehouse and river trails. Windgate is connected by regional road networks and a local rail service linking it to larger towns, with buses providing onward local transport.

Cultural life centers on the annual Windgate Festival, farmers' markets, and community theatre. Notable landmarks include the Wind Gate, a 16th-century stone gatehouse, and St. Mary's Church, dating to the 14th century. The town hosts Windgate Community College and several primary schools, a public library, and a sports complex that serves both residents and visitors.