History of the Chinese Bridge
The first version of the Chinese Bridge was built in 1760 and was created when all things “Chinoiserie” were in fashion.
It created a beautiful way to take the walker across the lake to explore the Crystal Grotto, which is hinted at by the rock arch which the bridge heads towards. Painshill Park Trust restored the bridge using traditional wooden materials in the 1980s. This has lasted over 40 years.
The wooden structure of the Chinese Bridge has unfortunately deteriorated over the past 40 years and now needs to be restored.
Restoration of the Chinese Bridge
With your help, we have raised more than £165,000 towards the restoration of Painshill’s Chinese Bridge. It’s exciting to be able to report that as a result we can now shortly begin work to replace the bridge.
Your support has helped to ensure that this project can be completed and that the historic route can be restored for everyone to enjoy as intended for years to come.
Work will begin in the spring months. The closure of the Chinese Peninsula and the removal of the floating pontoon took place in early February.
This will mean that for the duration of the project, there will be a contractors’ compound at the Peninsula end of the bridge and access to the Grotto will be by the Woollett Bridge only for the safety of our visitors.
The current bridge will then be removed to allow our craftsmen to reconstruct the replacement bridge to its appearance in the 18th century.
