The customs system was brought into force immediately after the foundation of the city. Even as early as the 17th century the city was encircled by a high customs fence with customs gates. Entry to the city was via the gates alone and they were shut at night. The customs fence surrounded Kokkola on three sides; to the east, the city strait of Sunti, acted as a barrier. In the 18th century the city’s western customs gate was situated in the corner of the West Park and it was here that peasants, traders, and travellers arriving from the west would make payments on the goods they brought. The custom fee was 1/32 of the value of the goods.
The West Park