MSO12063 - Post-medieval bridge over River Avill in Dunster Old Park (Building)

Summary

A late 18th century Palladian style, three arched bridge in Dunster Park spanning the River Avill. The vouissoirs are of undressed stone to give a picturesque appearance. An artificial waterfall below the bridge adds to the effect.

Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record .

Type and Period (2)

Protected Status

Full Description

Late 18th century. Stone built with three semi-circular arches, wider central arch with depressed triangular parapet. Moulded stone copings to parapets and abutment walls. Rock-faced rusticated pilasters and voussoirs. [1] English Heritage Listed Building Number: 264653. First Listed on 04/08/1983. [2] An 18th-century bridge spans the River Avill at SS 9930 4347. It is Palladian in style, with three arches. The vouissoirs are of undressed stone to give a picturesque appearance. The rest of the structure is of local mortared stone, capped with sandstone slabs. An artificial waterfall below the bridge adds to the effect. The bridge was designed by Richard Phelps, and is part of the 18th century enhancement of the grounds of Dunster Castle, for H F Luttrell. The bridge leads from the formal grounds around the castle, out towards the Deer Park. [3, 4] The building is situated within Dunster's Conservation Area. [5] The building was visited in May 2012 as part of the rapid condition survey of Exmoor's Listed Buildings 2012-13. It received a BAR score of 4A. [6] The structure is depicted on 2018 MasterMap data and is labelled "FB" (footbridge). [7]

Sources/Archives (7)

  • <1> Index: 4/8/1983. Twenty-fifth List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. District of West Somerset (Somerset).
  • <2> Unassigned: Webster CJ, Historic Environment Record. 2005. Staff Comments, Somerset County Council.
  • <3> Map: 1/6/1998. SS94SE Site visit. 103.
  • <4> Unpublished document: Riley, H.. Field Investigators Comments. RCHME Field Investigation, 1998.
  • <5> Unpublished document: Fisher, J.. 2002. Dunster Conservation Area Character Appraisal.
  • <6> Report: Lawrence, G.. 2014. Exmoor National Park: Rapid condition survey of listed buildings 2012-13.
  • <7>XY Map: Ordnance Survey. 2018. MasterMap. [Mapped feature: #39197 ]

External Links (1)

Other Statuses/References

  • 2012-3 Building At Risk Score (4A): 26/4/22
  • Exmoor National Park HER Number (now deleted): MSO9479
  • Local List Status (No)
  • National Monuments Record reference: SS 94 SE103
  • National Park: Exmoor National Park
  • National Trust HER Record
  • Pastscape / NRHE HOB UID: 1145512
  • Somerset SMR PRN: 34921

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SS 9929 4347 (18m by 20m)
Map sheet SS94SE
Civil Parish CARHAMPTON, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET
Civil Parish DUNSTER, WEST SOMERSET, SOMERSET

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (3)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Apr 1 2021 12:02PM

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