Ornamental Bridge At Blakesware 70 Metres North Of Widford Lodge

The Ornamental Bridge at Blakesware, built in the 19th century for the Gosselin family, is likely the work of architect George Devey, who also rebuilt Blakesware between 1876 and 1879. This bridge is constructed of red brick with moulded limestone dressings and features a single arched road bridge over the River Ash, following the line of the old road to Ware. It has a three-brick semi-circular arch with a humped parapet, and the brickwork courses of the curved parapet are aligned with the arch's centerpoint. The bridge is topped with ogee weathered moulded heavy stone copings. The arch is flanked by square pilaster piers that have two stone offsets and square moulded caps. The outswept quadrant abutments are adorned with stone copings that curve down to low square piers, also featuring moulded stone copings. This bridge is part of a picturesque group alongside Widford Lodge at the entrance to the park of Blakesware.