Willes Bridge

The late 19th-century Willes Bridge, with 20th-century restorations, spans the River Leam. The bridge is constructed of pinkish-brown brick arches, featuring gauged brick heads and cornices. It has an ashlar and moulded terracotta parapet, along with cast-iron rails and an inscription tablet. Three segmental arches form the bridge, with a frieze and chamfered copings. The parapet is divided into eight sections, with pedestals featuring alternating peaked and ornamental caps. A central, west pedestal bears an inscription tablet, while the east pedestal displays a badly eroded Willes family coat of arms. Taller end pedestals mark the bridge's extremities. Between the pedestals are moulded terracotta panels with a lozenge decoration, and chamfered copings are present. A curved retaining wall is located to the south-west. Quadrant rails, topped with three-prong finials, run along the north end of the bridge. The inscription tablet reads: 'THIS TABLET IS PLACED HERE BY THE INHABITANTS OF LEAMINGTON, TO RECORD THE MUNIFICENCE OF EDWARD WILLES ESQUIRE, OF NEWBOLD COMYN TO WHOM THE TOWN IS INDEBTED FOR THE SITE OF THE ADJOINING PUBLIC GARDENS, FOR THIS BRIDGE AND ROAD, AND MANY OTHER VALUABLE GIFTS.'