Twerton Wood Tunnel East Portal (MLN110903)

MATERIALS: squared and coursed Pennant stone, with dressings of Bath ashlar for the voussoirs, quoins, string courses, capping stones and arrow loops.

DESCRIPTION: asymmetrical composition with an inner four-centred arch recessed within a pointed segmental arch, flanked by turrets and wing walls. The entrance consists of four concentric arches creating a complex profile: inner four-centred arch with chamfered voussoirs, set within a relieving arch of similar form, which itself is set within two concentric pointed segmental arches, the inner of which dies into the reveals of the outer at springing level. Above the arch, a string course and, above that, an embattled parapet with sloping coping stones. This central part of the portal is flanked by two turrets of octagonal plan with quoins, the north (Up side) one taller than the south (Down side) one, their lower parts battered outwards and their upper parts rising above the central parapet. At this upper level they are decorated with arrow loops, string courses, and crenellations with moulded and sloping capping stones. Turrets are flanked by short sections of plain wall with coping stones. South (Down) side of portal joined to substantial contemporary retaining wall of squared coursed Pennant stone, 340m long, up to 15m high and of curved section, connecting with the west portal of Twerton Tunnel (qv).