Palladian Bridge

The Palladian Bridge at Wilton Park was built between 1736 and 1737, completed by Roger Morris, who served as the clerk of works. The design was inspired by a rejected proposal by Palladio for the Rialto Bridge in Venice and was adapted and supervised by Henry, the 9th Earl of Pembroke. This covered bridge features a five-bay Ionic colonnade on a balustraded parapet, with end pavilions that have pedimented breaks on each face and arched openings. It includes a pulvinated frieze and a modillion cornice. Access to the bridge is provided by balustraded stairs leading to balustraded platforms on each side. Inside, there are arches leading into the end pavilions adorned with scroll keys, an enriched cornice, and lozenge pattern ceiling divisions. The bridge is supported by a central arch and two flanking arches set in a rusticated basement, with two additional arches to carry the stairs. One of the keystones of the arches is marked "J C 1737".