Description1. Stone piers, with wooden superstructure.
2. [from Kerkham and Briggs in Ceredigion and Garden Arcaheology 1991]
12. Bwlch Gwallter Bridge SN 7507 7296 (FIG 13.8:11; FIG 13. 9). This lies adjacent to the Ice House. At the time of writing the wooden superstructure has been removed in anticipation of future restoration and whilst the masonary appears structurally sound, the base of the central pier is undercut and some of the higher course-work is fragmenting. It is unknown when the river was first spanned at this point, but it seems this 'Alpine Bridge' underwent two rebuilds. Two drawings from Thomas Jones of Pencerrig's sketchbook (1786-7;Friends of Hafod Archive TJ 38-9b) illustrate a relatively simple walkway supported centrally (described as a 'long Alpine bridge';Cumberland 1796, 13). Comparable structures were built by Johnes' cousin Richard Payne Knight at Downton Castle, Herefordshire (Watkin 1982). In 1797, one tourist referred to a 'stone Bridge' building over the Ystwyth (Nat Lib Wales MS 16133C fo 33). In all probability, this refers to buttress alterations accommodating the bridge described as' formed of two wooden arches springing from a central pier' (Wood 1813, 164-5;pl facing p 166;cf Lipscomb 1802, 131; here fig 13.9). .
It is probable that John Waddingham restored wooden bridges during the 1870s and '80s, returning Bwlch Gwallter to simpler wooden trestles by raising the central pier some 1 1/2 m.
This bridge was 'restored' during the later 1990s, to a pastiche rather than authentically to anything like even the Victorian original. It is now trestled on RSJs which have delivered rust to the abutments, rust which is no doubt eating into the lime mortar of questionable value in such a reconstruction. Furthermore, a great deal of cement in 'corrugated fashion' which had revetted the landward abutments was removed for aethetic reasons.
C.S.Briggs 24.10.05
3. This garden is depicted on the Second Edition Ordnance Survey 25-inch map of Cardiganshire XI, sheet 16 (1905). C.H. Nicholas, RCAHMW, 11th August 2006.
