Footbridge Adjoining Wash House Lock

The footbridge adjoining Wash House Lock, built around 1815, is a cast-iron structure designed by engineer John Rennie and manufactured by Stothert of Bath. It features a narrow, slightly cambered arch that supports a macadamised path, which is held up by three cast iron ribs with pierced spandrels. The bridge has a maker's panel that reads "STOTHERT, BATH." On either side of the path, there are closely set spiked railings that include a top rail, a double mid-rail with diamond patterns, and dog-bars. The railings return at each end to the lower part of the lock, following the ramped wall on the east side. This footbridge was constructed to connect the new developments along Bathwick Hill with the city, as part of the Kennet and Avon Canal, which was authorized in 1794 and fully opened in 1810.