*arms up* Welcome to Hertford bridge! *point* commonly known as the bridge of sighs! I’m Elouise and today I will be telling you a little more information about the bridge.
The bridge was designed by an English architect Sir Thomas Jackson and is the most photographed piece of architecture in Oxford. The work on the bridge started in 1913 and was finished in 1914, to join the old and new parts of Hertford College together.
Sir Thomas Jackson designed this famous bridge, and a spiral staircase which is found inside the collage grounds. Jackson’s work throughout the college has influenced stonemasons, architects and engineers all throughout history.
It is commonly known as the Bridge of Sighs because it is similar to the Bridge of Sighs in Venice. *point* this bridge actually looks nothing like the Bridge of Sighs but looks more like the Rialto Bridge also found in Venice. As you can see on the hand out being passed around hold it in-front of you and compare the 2, Can you see the resemblance?
*spooky* Many people have witnessed a ghostly figure haunting the bridge, wandering from one side to the next. There have been several sightings from the figure in photos taken of the bridge. And it is one of the locations on the Oxford Ghost Tour.
*SLOW* Take 30 seconds to yourself to imagine the bridge being constructed… it’s 1913, horse and carriage run along the cobbled streets. Construction was started not knowing if it was going to be finished, or if it would fail. Spectators watched for a whole year as stone was cut and assembled using rope and hoists. Amazing how far we have come since then.
If you follow me underneath the bridge note the coat of arms up here on the left, the image of a dear symbolises a heart, which you can see in the name, Hertfordshire college. Notice the way Sir Thomas Jackson has incorporated red brick with stone which is unique and unusual, and also how the arch on this side *POINT & KEEP POINTING* is different to the real arch on that side *POINT &LOOK*. On our left down this small alley is the Turf Tarvern. The Turf Tarvern is the oldest pub in Oxford and was Inspector Morse’s favourite place to drink here in Oxford, and was featured in an episode as was a lot of the area where we are walking now.
Thankyou for listening, I hope you found this informative and interesting, and enjoy the rest of Oxford.
Up next we will be visiting Magdelen Bridge which was built above the ford of Oxen, giving this city its name, you really wont want to miss it!
And now if it’s okay with our guest Randy, if everyone has a group picture underneath the bridge.