Apollo Gate. Church Gate. Bazaar Gate. These were the names given to the three gates that opened into the walled township of Fort. The citadel formed the nucleus around which a mercantile town became a commercial city. The walled area housed a marine force that was created due to Bombay port's significance and to safeguard the city from seafaring powers like the Portuguese, Marathas and the Siddis. St Thomas Cathedral was built as the main Anglican house of worship for troops stationed on the island city.

By the 1860s, the British had established their hold over the Indian Subcontinent, the walls became non-functional, and proved to be an impediment to decongest the rise in population within the confines of the Fort. Governor Bartle Frere's vision led to the breaking down of the walls in 1862. Yet, the names of many parts of the area remain to this day — be it Fort, Churchgate or Bazaargate.