Eighteenth Century Watergate At St532 758

The 18th century watergate at Easton in Gordano, located at ST 532 758, was built in the mid-18th century for the Meyler-Bright family, who owned Ham Green House to the south. Constructed from coursed and roughly-dressed lias with ashlar dressings, the structure is now painted. It features a Picturesque design with classical details and an overall Gothick style. The watergate's front faces the River Avon and has a segmental plan, ending with circular-plan "drums" or low turrets that are connected by a plat band beneath the parapet. The central semicircular arched doorway has rusticated surrounds and is flanked by carved stone figures of Adam and Eve, while the outer segmental-arched doorways are adjacent to the turrets. Originally, the building had a landing platform in front, which is now hidden due to later silting. The archways provided access to paths leading to the gardens of Ham Green House. Historically, larger ships were moored at Hung Road, with cargoes transported by barge to Bristol docks, a practice documented since 1611. In the 18th century, captains of ships owned by the Meyler-Brights would disembark at the watergate to conduct business at Ham Green House. This watergate is significant for its role in Bristol's commercial development and as a unique example of an estate building from this period. It is depicted in a drawing from 1788.