Bridge Of Sighs, Chester

The Bridge of Sighs in Chester was a crossing that led from the Northgate gaol, 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. It is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II listed building. HistoryThe bridge was built probably in 1793. It originally had iron railings to prevent the prisoners from escaping. The architect was Joseph Turner. After the Northgate Prison closed, Chester City Corporation tried to have the bridge removed in 1821.

The Bridge of Sighs in Chester was a crossing that led from the Northgate gaol, 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. It is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II listed building. HistoryThe bridge was built probably in 1793. It originally had iron railings to prevent the prisoners from escaping. The architect was Joseph Turner. After the Northgate Prison closed, Chester City Corporation tried to have the bridge removed in 1821.