Bridge on Main Approach to Chatsworth House

The bridge on the main approach to Chatsworth House is a road bridge built between 1759 and 1774 by James Paine, with substantial completion by 1761. It is constructed of sandstone ashlar and rock-faced sandstone. The bridge features three broad segmental arches that have step moulding and moulded hoodmoulds. It is supported by piers made of rock-faced sandstone, which project on each side as short triangular cutwaters with curved tops. There is a plain impost band, and the square end piers have round-arched niches and shallow sunk panels beneath them.

On the south side, the two cutwaters support square pedestals that hold re-set late 17th-century sculptures by Cibber, while there is one pedestal to the north that does not have a sculpture. The balustraded parapet is divided into three sections, with a plain stringcourse at the base and moulded corbels. The parapet slopes gently over the outer arches. The wing walls also have similar parapets and curve out at either end. The Gardens and Park surrounding the bridge are included on the Gardens Register at Grade I.