Bridges - 53 Sandy Hill Bridge PREVIOUS       NEXT

Sandy Hill Bridge, just over 170 yards up from Sprat's Hatch Bridge, is another of the brick-built bridges provided during the canal's construction around 1792.     Restored extensively by HCC in 1975, it has two tie rods with a pair of steel pattress plates on each face of the bridge to strengthen it.     This bridge is distinct from other bridges in this section by having a more circular shaped arch which is due to the increased height of the bridge. Today the bridge carries only a public footpath from which there is no access to the canal.     Just a few yards above the bridge walkers can find a welcome memorial seat by the towpath.     On the back rest of the seat are inscribed the words: "Mary Kathleen Godbold. Mum & Nan". In all probability the seat was donated by relatives in memory of their loved one.

From here it is just less than one mile to the next bridge, Broad Oak Bridge.   Piller's Bridge   Just under half a mile upstream from Sandy Hill Bridge and about the same distance from Broad Oak Bridge, is the site of Piller's Bridge. This bridge was demolished about 1890 and replaced by a timber structure which itself was demolished about 1930.     The canal narrows at this point, just where the electricity pilons cross over the canal. Otherwise today it is almost impossible to make out any evidence of the former bridge's brick foundations.     Just the narrowing of the canal at this point is all that remains of this long forgotten bridge which was built to bring benefit and access to Dogmersfield Park.

Broad Oak Bridge is around half a mile further on, but before that is reached ---     --- in a quarter of a mile a track on the right leads to a quiet secluded lake.     Nearby, at the end of a glade is this elegant house. Nearby is a house in which at one time lived Michael Redgrave, the famous British film and stage actor.     Going further up the canal, Broad Oak Bridge is reached after about 350 yards. It has been just less than one mile from Sandy Hill Bridge.   NEXT - Broad Oak Bridge BACK

Last updated November 2004