HELMINGHAM HALL BRIDGES 1800 John Nash nr Ipswich Suffolk HEW 341 TM 187 577 N52o 10' 25.7" E1o 38' 39.5"
This pair of Regency cast iron bridges cross the moat on different facades of Helmingham Hall, the seat of Lord Tollemache. They were designed by John Nash who was making major alterations to the Hall at this time to replace the original arched brick bridge, or perhaps by John Adey Repton, the garden designer for Lord Tollemache. They were cast by Ransome & Son, Ipswich. On each bridge, there is a main cast iron span of 31’6” with a semi-elliptical arch with three ribs and an iron side span with a pointed arch to balance the original timber drawbridge at the Hall side of each bridge. The Regency gothic theme is reflected in the details of the bridge ironwork and on the brick pilasters which match the strong Tudor/Gothic design of the house. A most delightful fantasy house in a glorious garden.
It is located in a maze of country lanes, but there is good signage from A1120 and from B1077.