Swiss Bridge - Birkenhead, UK
Posted by: 
dtrebilc
N 53° 23.597 W 003° 02.287
30U E 497465 N 5916021
This wooden covered bridge carries a footpath over part of an ornamental lake in Birkenhead Park.
It connects the shore of the lake to a small island in the middle of the lake.
Waymark Code: WM11K4A
Location: North West England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 11/04/2019
Views: 16
On Easter Monday 1847, the gates were opened to the very first publicly funded park in the world. Designed by Sir Joseph Paxton - Birkenhead Park was created to be the People's Garden - a place where the lowliest peasant to the British Monarch could stand together to enjoy a piece of the countryside in the middle of the city. The land was acquired through Act of Parliament and the project was financed from the profit of the houses which surrounded the park.
Joseph Paxton designed the park with the help of Edward Kemp who came to supervise the construction in 1843. In 1845 Kemp was awarded the position of Park Superintendent following recommendation from Paxton. Kemp had a salary of £150 a year and lived onsite in the Italian Lodge. He was given a budget of £1,000 per year and it was Kemp who was largely responsible for the planting and general development of Birkenhead.In 1850, Fredrick Law Olmstead visited the park and with its inspiration, then went on to design and create what is arguably the most famous public park in the world - Central Park New York.
Current Condition of Bridge: Good
Web Address: [Web Link]
Description of Covered Bridge:
The Swiss Bridge is a footbridge over part of the east lake. It was put up in 1843-7 making it an original feature of Kemp's Park but has been renewed several times, most recently in January 2016. The iconic design attracts thousands of visitors each year and is a staple of the Birkenhead Park experience. The design and name are contradictory, despite being called the Swiss bridge, it has a Chinese style design, which was the result of a disagreement and compromise between the two leading architects.
Year Built: 1847, renovated in 2016
Parking (If not at the bridge):: N 53 23.717 W 3 2.332
Location (Road - City - State - Country): Birkenhead Park, Park Road North, Birkenhead, Wirral, United Kingdom
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