A noble Bridge crosses the Dee at the south-east angle of the Roodee, the picturesque Race-course of Chester; it is approached by a new road from the centre of Bridge-street, which passes by the castle esplanade, proceeds across the city walls, and then by an immense embankment thrown over a deep valley. The bridge consists of one main stone arch, with a small dry arch or towing path on each side, by which the land communication is preserved on both sides of the river. The distinguishing feature of this edifice is the unparalleled width of the chord or span of the main arch, which is of greater extent than that of any other arch of masonry known to have been constructed. Of its dimensions the following is an accurate delineation:—The span of the arch is _two hundred feet_; { 0} the height of the arch from the springing line, 40 feet; the dimensions of the main abutments, 48 feet wide by 40, with a dry arch as a towing path at each side, 20 feet wide, flanked with immense wing walls, to support the embankment. The whole length of the road-way, 340 feet. Width of the bridge from outside the parapet walls, 35 feet 6 inches, divided thus: carriage-road, 24 feet; the two causeways, 9 feet; thickness of the parapet walls, 2 feet 6 inches. Altitude from the top of the parapet wall to the river at low water mark, 66 feet 6 inches. The architectural plan of this bridge was furnished by the late Mr. Thomas Harrison; Mr. James Trubshaw, of Newcastle, Staffordshire, was the builder; Mr. Jesse Hartley, of Liverpool, the surveyor. The bridge was formally opened in October, 1832, by her Royal Highness the Princess (now Queen) Victoria, on occasion of her visit and that of her royal parent, the Duchess of Kent, to Eaton Hall. As a compliment to her noble host, the bridge was named Grosvenor Bridge by the young Princess.
Our limited space prevents us from entering into particular descriptions of other buildings and antiquities, which might well claim our attention; as the remarkable Crypt and Roman Bath in Bridge-street, the Museum at the Water Tower, the Blue Goat Hospital, the Training College, the Linen Hall, the Episcopal Palace, the Exchange, &c.; but we must not omit to remind the stranger, that when at Chester, he is only three miles distant from that magnificent modern mansion, Eaton Hall, the seat of the Marquis of Westminster. The approach to the beautiful and extensive park in which this princely abode is situated, is by an elegant Lodge on the Grosvenor Road, about a quarter of a mile from Chester Castle; or the excursion may be made by a boat on the lucid bosom of the river Dee, which runs through verdant meads and lovely scenery close by the pleasure-grounds of the Hall. Visitors must be careful to provide themselves with tickets, which may be obtained of the publisher of this little work in Bridge-street Row, or they will not be admitted to view the interior of the mansion. The elaborate adornments, the gorgeous fittings, and the truly magnificent architecture of Eaton Hall, with its superb furniture, its beautiful pictures, and exquisite sculpture, never fail to excite the most lively admiration; and to pass it without a call, would be held by the residents of this neighbourhood to be a sort of topographical heresy, of which tourists should not be guilty.