The Bridgegate,
a handsome arch gateway, having two posterns, erected in 1782, at the expense of the Corporation. On the tablet over the western postern is the following inscription:—
THIS GATE WAS BEGUN APRIL, MDCCLXXXII., PATISON
ELLAMES, ESQ., MAYOR, AND FINISHED DECEMBER THE
SAME YEAR, THOMAS PATISON, ESQ., MAYOR.THOS. COTGREAVE, ESQ., HENRY HESKETH, ESQ., MURENGERS.
JOSEPH TURNER, ARCHITECT.
On another tablet, on the east side,—
THIS GATE, HAVING BEEN LONG INCONVENIENT,
WAS TAKEN DOWN A.D. MDCCLXXXI.JOSEPH SNOW, ESQ., MAYOR.
THOS. AMERY, HENRY HEGG, TREASURERS.
From the top of this gateway the banks of the Dee, with the bridge, and suburbs of Handbridge, present a lively and striking appearance, which at low water is increased by the rapid falling of the stream over the causeway across the river immediately above the bridge. In the distance may be seen Beeston Castle, on its lofty summit; and the successive ranges of Bucklow and Peckforton Hills form a beautiful background to the landscape.
A little southward stands