Canal Bridge

The Canal Bridge is a road bridge over the Kennet and Avon Canal, located on a sloping site and built around 1810, likely designed by John Pinch the Elder. It is constructed from limestone ashlar. The bridge features a slight concave curve on each side, with substantial walls that rise from the bank, leading to a semi-elliptical arch at the center, which is topped with a keystone. The level parapets have moulded coping, double weathered plinths, and a lower platband on the outer sides. There are six panels of pierced intersecting circles, supported by piers that are wider at the center and ends. At the east end, the lower plinths sink into the hillside. Historically, this bridge was built to span the newly completed canal and connect Bathwick Hill with the rest of the Bathwick Estate, facilitating the development of the hillside. John Pinch, as the estate architect, was responsible for its design. The latticed parapet, which appears to be a later addition, may have been designed by Goodridge around 1840-1850.