Bridge of Sighs, Chester
Bridge in Chester, United Kingdom
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Bridge of Sighs in Chester is a crossing that originally led from the Northgate jail, across the Chester Canal, to a chapel in the Bluecoat School. It was built to allow condemned prisoners to receive the last rites before their execution without risk of escape.[1] It is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II listed building.[2]
History
The bridge was built probably in 1793. It originally had iron railings to prevent the prisoners from escaping. The railings were removed during World War II.[3] The architect was Joseph Turner.[4]
After the Northgate Prison closed, Chester City Corporation tried to have the bridge removed in 1821.[citation needed]
