Bridge In Sydney Gardens

A footbridge over the Kennet and Avon Canal in Sydney Gardens, built in 1800 and designed by John Rennie, engineer. The structure was manufactured by the Coalbrookdale factory at Ironbridge and is constructed of cast iron, set on coped ashlar abutments.

The bridge is a single span measuring approximately 12 metres, with a width of approximately 6.5 metres, and is notably skewed at around 45 degrees. It is formed from seven segmental arches with panelled intrados. A cornice forms the plinth to the balustrade above, which is made up of separate, vertical trellised panels supporting a continuous handrail. A cast iron date plaque at the vertex of the arch is inscribed 'ERECTED / ANNO / 1800'.

Sydney Gardens were laid out as commercial pleasure grounds between 1792 and 1794. The initial design was by architect Thomas Baldwin; after his bankruptcy, Charles Harcourt Masters replaced him in 1794. The gardens opened on 11 May 1795 as Sydney Gardens Vauxhall and quickly became a popular entertainment venue, hosting public breakfasts, promenades and galas. The main building, the Sydney Tavern (now the Holburne of Menstrie Museum), stood at the western end of the central walk and contained tea and card rooms, a ballroom, coffee room and a public house.

In 1799, a section of the Kennet and Avon Canal (authorised 1794; opened 1810) was cut through the gardens. As compensation for the intrusion, the canal company agreed to add decorative bridges and tunnels to enhance the picturesque appeal of the pleasure grounds. This agreement had been a condition of the proprietors when they entered into their 1795 contract with the canal company; the company paid £2,100 and the cost of providing the bridges and tunnels. During the early 19th century, additional features and structures were introduced, adding variety and surprise in accordance with landscape design principles of the period. From around 1839, a section of the Great Western Railway was constructed through the gardens. Further ornamental structures were introduced later in the 19th century, though most were cleared away after World War Two.

In 1891, when the original 99-year lease of the gardens expired, the entire site, including the Tavern (then in use as a college), was sold with plans to replace the Tavern with a large hotel and remodel the grounds. These plans were abandoned. In 1908, Bath City Council purchased the site; the gardens were opened to the public as a municipal park in 1913. The Tavern was remodelled by Sir Reginald Blomfield into the Holburne of Menstrie Museum. The gardens remain in use as a public park. This bridge, which continues the main axis through the park over the Kennet and Avon Canal, was constructed in 1800 and remains largely unaltered.