The Watergate,
the custody of which formerly belonged to the Earls of Derby, who held a valuable river jurisdiction, in executing the mayor’s warrants on the Dee, which formerly flowed close underneath. It was purchased from the Derby family by the Corporation in 1778, taken down in 1788, and the present structure erected in 1789, the expense being defrayed out of the murage duties fund. It consists of a wide and lofty arch, thrown over the Watergate-street, where a rapid descent adds much to its apparent elevation. The west side bears the following inscription:—
IN THE XXIX. YEAR OF THE REIGN OF GEO. III. IN THE
MAYORALTY OF JOHN HALLWOOD, AND JOHN LEIGH, ESQUIRES,
THIS GATE WAS ERECTED.THOMAS COTGREAVE, EDWARD BURROWS, ESQUIRES, MURENGERS.
The view from the summit of this gate is very extensive, the objects immediately surrounding adding much to the pleasure of the scene. On the opposite bank of the river Dee is Curzon Park, with its beautiful villa residences. On the left is Grosvenor Bridge, with its far-famed noble arch, the widest arch of masonry in the world; a little beyond may be seen the grand lodge entrance to Eaton Park, erected at the cost of £14,000, the toute ensemble forming a most charming picture. The site of the present Crane-street and the parts adjacent were formerly under water.
Immediately below is the beautiful and spacious meadow called the