Wall, Railings And Gate To The West Of The Kennet And Avon Canal

SYDNEY GARDENS 656-1/32/1649 (West side) Wall, railings and gate to the west of the Kennet and Avon Canal

GV II

Wall, railings and gate. c1800, but with subsequent restorations. MATERIALS: Limestone ashlar wall, cast iron railings and gate. EXTERIOR: Plain coped retaining wall approx 2m high and 30m long between two footbridges (qv) sweeps down in quadrants at centre to each side of elaborate pedestrian gate of geometric design with ovals to horizontal central panel and diagonal bars to three panels to top and base. To each side quadrant-shaped spaces have matching cast iron panels. Horizontal upper rails curve up at sides and panels have cast iron ball finials. Approx 3m to east, across footpath along verge of Kennet and Avon Canal, three similar panels of railing with swept supports to rear. HISTORY: John Rennie laid out the course of the canal here in 1796 and construction was underway by 1799. When completed, this intrusion, through careful design insisted upon by the Proprietors of Sydney Gardens, added to the visual charms of Sydney Gardens. SOURCES: Brenda Snaddon, 'The Last Promenade. Sydney Gardens, Bath' (2000), 19-20.

Listing NGR: ST7585865334