History

The bridge dates from 1901-1904, and is probably by Wm Harpur, Borough Engineer of Cardiff, who played important role in planning the lay-out of Civic Centre. An inscription on the drinking fountain records "Erected by William Alexander Mayor of Cardiff AD 1860"; "Cast by the Coalbrookdale Co"; "Wills Brothers, Sculptors, London". A virtually identical fountain is listed near St David's Church at Merthyr Tydfil.

Exterior

Baroque style bridge in Portland Stone ashlar with rusticated piers. Single arch has stepped voussoirs with keystone. Portland stone parapet with, to each side, 4 rusticated piers. On E parapet, gabled Portland stone frame in pier of bridge encloses drinking fountain in niche; outer face of niche framed by cast-iron moulded frame with curvilinear edges, and inscribed "Erected by William Alexander Mayor of Cardiff AD 1860" "Cast by the Coalbrookdale Co" "Wills Brothers, Sculptors, London". Figure of Jesus Christ to left hand and figure of the Woman of Samaria to right hand, illustrating verses 13 and 14 of St John's Gospel, Chapter IV: "Jesus said unto her, whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst". Decoration of vine leaves and tendrils and cherubs. Figures and decoration picked out in gold.

Reasons for Listing

Listed as bridge from earliest phase of setting out of civic centre, with additionally, good example of cast iron work.

External Links

• Cadwr Listing
• Wikidata Q29491667

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Somerset: North and Bristol: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Wiltshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Development and Design of Heritage Sensitive Sites: Strategies for Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
• 
  Drawing up a Local Listed Building Consent Order: Historic England Advice Note 6
• 
  Suffolk: East (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Building Small Projects (New Best of Fine Woodworking)