In 1704, Blenheim architect John Vanbrugh set out to create something spectacular across what was then just a marshy brook. The Grand Bridge was the outcome, containing no less than 30 rooms.

In 1764, 'Capability' Brown set about improving and landscaping the grounds. His most notable work was the creation of Blenheim's Lake, which submerged the lower stories of the bridge.

Edvard

May 25, 2018

Everything about the bridge is extraordinary and much of it is puzzling. No ground plan has survived. All we have is an elevation showing the proposed superstructure in the manner of a viaduct or of the Pont du Garde. Sarah 1st Duchess of M Marlborough vetoed the arcade. ÒI made Mr Vanbrugh my enemy', she wrote, Òby the constant disputes I had with him to prevent his extravagance.' The immensity of the Grand Bridge and its cost was one of the main subjects of their dispute. The Duchess scathingly told a friend that she had counted thirty-three rooms in it, that there was a house at each corner and that what made it so much prettier than London Bridge was that you might Òset in six rooms and look out at the window' while the coaches rumbled over your head. Vanbrugh in its defence went so far as to assure her that if, when it was finished, she found a house inside it she would go and live in it. Nothing was more unlikely; and indeed there is no evidence that it was ever lived in, though some rooms have fireplaces and chimneys, and one large windowless chamber has been plastered and fitted with an elliptical arch as though for a theatre. Old guidebooks describe the bridge as a cool retreat in summer, and no doubt many a picnic was enjoyed in the sunnier rooms. Unfortunately, it is no longer safe to enter now.
camelotintl.com/heritage/historichouses/south_east/blenheim_palace/bpbridge.html

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 130 m

Weather

Today

Monday 27 October

13°C

10°C

0 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 29.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Blenheim, West Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire, South East England, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Blenheim Palace World Heritage Site

St Martin's Church, Bladon

Thrupp Community Forest

Blenheim Palace Lake and Grand Bridge

View of the River Evenlode

Bodleian Library

Christ Church Meadow

Harry Potter Tree, Blenheim Palace

Hampton Gay Manor Ruins

View of the Great Lake and Beech Trees, Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace Park Scenic Spot

North Leigh Roman Villa

Grand Bridge, Blenheim Palace

1. Grand Bridge, Blenheim Palace – Bladon Bridge loop from Woodstock

2. Grand Bridge, Blenheim Palace – Bladon Bridge loop from Combe

3. Woodstock Historic Village – Grand Bridge, Blenheim Palace loop from Woodstock

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️