The Bridgegate

The Bridgegate is an archway built between 1781 and 1782 by Joseph Turner for the Chester City Corporation, replacing a former city gatehouse. Constructed of yellow sandstone ashlar, it is designed in a classical style. The main feature is a segmental arch spanning the carriageway, with a smaller round archway for pedestrians incorporated into each of the projecting abutments. The stonework features chamfered rustication below the impost level and in the arch reveals and intrados.

Recessed panels above each pedestrian arch bear inscriptions. On the north face of the east arch is inscribed "The old Gate having been long inconvenient was taken down A.D. MDCCLXXXI JOSEPH SNOW Esquire Mayor THOMAS AMERY : HENRY HEGG Treasurers.” On the north face of the west arch: “This Gate was begun April MDCCLXXXII PATTISON ELLAMES Esquire Mayor and finished December the same Year THOMAS PATTON Esquire Mayor THOMAS COTGREAVE Esquire HENRY HESKETH Esquire Murengers. Joseph Turner Architect." The south face of the west arch is carved with a fasces, while the south face of the east arch displays a carved balance. The structure is completed by balustraded parapets.

Joseph Turner was also the architect of the Watergate, built in 1788. Records from the Chester City Assembly Books document the building's construction between 1781 and 1782.