The Palladian Bridge

The Palladian Bridge is a covered bridge built in 1738, just one year after a similar bridge at Wilton House in Wiltshire, which it closely resembles. Originally, the east side featured a solid wall adorned with sculpture, but this was removed in 1762 and replaced with columns. The bridge is constructed of rusticated ashlar stone and has three arches with carved keyblocks. It features a five-bay Ionic colonnade, which is flanked by pavilions with pediments and attached columns that frame semi-circular headed arches, also with scroll keyblocks on the sides. Carved heads are present at the ends of the bridge, and there is a balustraded parapet. Inside, the bridge has a coffered ceiling complemented by the colonnade.