Parkend Bridge House

Parkend Bridge House is a bridgekeeper’s house situated at Parkend Bridge on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. It dates from the early 19th century, with a probable enlargement occurring in the 20th century. The design may be by Robert Mylne, the first principal engineer to the Gloucester and Berkeley Canal Company. The house is rendered with an artificial slate roof and small rendered stacks. Originally, it was likely in the same style as other bridgekeepers’ houses, a small cruciform structure with shallow pediments facing each direction, presenting a single storey towards the canal and two storeys to the remaining sides. Alterations have been made to the canal (west) side and to the north, with an extension featuring three 16-pane sashes facing the canal. The pediment facing the canal retains a plain frieze and cornice and two Doric fluted columns, though they are not set in antis. A door, possibly original, is located behind the columns, with the middle pair of panels glazed. A small rear lean-to is present, along with scattered window openings. Survey work for the original canal route from Gloucester to Berkeley was undertaken by Mylne in 1793. The terminal point of the canal was changed to Sharpness in 1813, and the canal opened in 1827.