Arno'S Court Triumphal Arch

Arno's Court Triumphal Arch is a triumphal arch built around 1760, believed to be designed by James Bridges for William Reeve. Constructed from Bath stone, it features a classical design with Gothic and Moorish elements. The arch is a free-standing structure with a tall central round archway flanked by plain arched doors, all separated by an impost band from a canopied niche above. The main arch showcases Gothic moulding with arcaded ornament and imposts. The canopies are intricately carved with a fishscale pattern on the top surface and a traceried edge beneath an ogee moulding, which ends in a finial. There is blind tracery on the underside of the canopy. Above the main arch, a stone panel is provided for an uncarved coat of arms, topped with a round hood that connects to a string course. The central section of the arch is a third higher than the sides and slightly projects forward. The upper part contains a niche flanked by terms, with ogee moulding above that culminates in a leaf finial. The sides and center feature blind tracery and a crenellated parapet with Moorish merlons. The niches once held carvings from the demolished City Gates. The rear elevation is simpler, displaying a carving of the City's coat of arms above the main arch. Originally serving as the gateway to Arno's Castle, the arch was relocated to the entrance of Arno's Court Bath House in 1912. Evidence such as ovolo mouldings suggests it may have been an original Caroline city gate, although it is generally accepted to date from 1760.