Rustic Bridge At South End Of The Canal, With Culvert And Arch To Reservoir

The Rustic Bridge at the south end of the Canal, which includes a culvert and an arch leading to the Reservoir, was likely built between 1729 and 1730 by Robert Doe for John Aislabie. The structure is made of rough dressed limestone rubble, tufa, and ashlar. The bridge features a shallow segmental arch, flanked by smaller arched recesses and end piers with frosted rustication. Tufa blocks are used for the voussoirs of the arch and recesses, as well as the parapet. The culvert is approximately 15 meters long, has a dog-legged shape, and includes a segmental arch at the south end. This facade marks the southern boundary of John Aislabie's original formal garden, as the ground rises to Tent Hill behind it, and there was no access to Fountains Abbey until 1768. The architectural style is similar to that of the Octagon Tower Tunnel, Mr. Aislabie's Kitchen, and the Grotto. The bridge is also a scheduled Ancient Monument.