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

By-wash, weir and inspection bridge designed by Charles Hawksley as part of the waterworks at Blagdon (1898-1905), with late C20 alterations.

The c300m long curved by-wash is lined with stone and has sections of rock-faced stone walling to the edge terminated by square gate-piers with pyramidal caps. At it east end, where it runs under the road bridge on the dam, the by-wash has tall curved rock-faced stone retaining walls with blind three pointed arches. The stepped weir at the top east end was rebuilt in the late C20.

The curved footbridge bridge originally set on top of the weir was relocated in the late C20 to a weir situated further downstream. The bridge is constructed with a cast iron cross-shaped frame and has a planked timber walkway. The inside of the curve has an ornate cast iron railing with floral brackets and spear-headed finials to the posts. The railing to the outside is lower, in order to inspect the weir, its posts formed by the cast iron ribs of the construction frame.