Colonnades, Balustrading, Steps And Kiosk At Parade Gardens

The colonnades, balustrading, steps, and kiosk at Parade Gardens were constructed in 1895, with some elements added around 1933, by C.E. Davis. The materials used are limestone ashlar.

The exterior features a long Tuscan colonnade with thirteen bays that extends from the entrance of Parade Gardens on Orange Grove to Pulteney Bridge. This colonnade supports the Grand Parade above and indicates the historical level of Town Quay or Boatstall Quay from medieval times. Each bay is defined by piers clasped by pilasters and includes three openings with columns, topped by a triglyph frieze. The entrance steps to Parade Gardens are in an imperial form, adorned with balustrading and piers featuring vases. The lowest flight of steps includes the Edward VII Memorial at its center.

In front of Terrace Walk, there is a three-bay lower colonnade of a similar design, dating from around 1933, which was built after the demolition of the Royal Literary and Scientific Institution the previous year. A street balustrade runs the entire length from North Parade to Pulteney Bridge, with every third bay featuring a square pier topped by either a shallow turned vase or a wrought iron openwork lamp standard. The balustrade also returns along North Parade to North Parade Bridge, which is listed separately. Additionally, there is a small kiosk at the entrance to Parade Gardens from Orange Grove, which has a stained door and window.

These structures are part of the overall changes made to the walling of Parade Gardens, a scheme that began with C.E. Davis in around 1895 and was completed after the demolition of the Royal Literary and Scientific Institution in 1932. While the general design of the balustrade is attributed to Davis, the vases and lamp standards were added after 1932.