Works Continue on the Chinese Bridge
Work on the new Chinese Bridge at Painshill is progressing well, with several key stages now nearing completion. A major milestone has been the installation of the caissons, which form the essential foundations for the bridge. Six out of eight have already been successfully installed, filled and capped. Although a crane issue temporarily delayed the final two, alternative manual lifting equipment is now being set up, and the team expects to complete this phase later this week.
Preparations are also underway for the trial assembly of the bridge. Temporary frames are being built to simulate the bridge legs, allowing the team to fully assemble the spans in a controlled environment and confirm that all components fit together as designed. Once this test is complete, the parts will be tanalised (timber treated), reassembled and painted. The plan is for large, pre-assembled sections, to be delivered and lifted into place. This method promises a smoother and more efficient installation process as the project moves toward its final phases.
The restoration of the Chinese Bridge will ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the historic route as Charles Hamilton designed it to be. The bridge will once again be a place where visitors can pause, reflect and take in the picturesque surroundings, a reminder of the vision and artistry that shaped the landscape centuries ago.
This project is an exciting milestone for the Painshill Park Trust, highlighting the ongoing importance of preserving our historical landscape for future generations.
The journey to bring the Chinese Bridge back to life continues, and with it, the bridge will once again stand proudly as the gateway to Painshill’s magnificent Crystal Grotto, echoing the past while inspiring future generations.
