Waterworks at Blagdon: By-wash, Weir and Inspection Bridge

The waterworks at Blagdon include a by-wash, weir, and inspection bridge, designed by Charles Hawksley between 1898 and 1905, with some alterations made in the late 20th century.

The by-wash is approximately 300 meters long and features a curved design lined with stone, including sections of rock-faced stone walling at the edges, which are capped by square gate-piers with pyramidal tops. At the eastern end, where it passes beneath the road bridge on the dam, the by-wash has tall, curved rock-faced stone retaining walls that include three blind pointed arches. The stepped weir at the top east end was rebuilt in the late 20th century.

Originally, a curved footbridge was situated on top of the weir, but it was relocated in the late 20th century to a weir further downstream. This bridge is made with a cast iron cross-shaped frame and features a planked timber walkway. The inner side of the curve has an ornate cast iron railing with floral brackets and spear-headed finials on the posts, while the outer railing is lower to allow for inspection of the weir, with its posts formed by the cast iron ribs of the construction frame.