The village of Bree was guarded from outsiders by a deep ditch and a hedge. The great East Road passed through this hedge on its western side, and exited again in the southern corner where the hedge and dike met the sides of the Bree-hill. At each of these points stood a gate, that was closed and guarded after nightfall. The gate that looked towards the Shire, the West-gate, was guarded by one Harry Goatleaf during the War of the Ring, though he later joined with Bill Ferny and the followers of Saruman.