© 2004 Karl Harrison, All Rights Reserved.
The "Bridge of Sighs" was built in 1913 and designed by TG Jackson, the bridge is a corridor linking the main buildings of Hertford College with the newer buildings of the north quad. It is named after the "Bridge of sighs", or "Ponte dei Sospiri" in Venice.
The view under the bridge shows the The Sheldonian Theatre. This building was the first major work by Sir Christopher Wren, designed when he was Professor of Astronomy at Oxford and built in 1664. The Sheldonian Theatre is the ceremonial building for the University holding for example degree ceremonies. Also, it is frequently used to hold evening concerts. There are excellent views of the spires of Oxford from the white cupola on top of the Sheldonian. To the right is the Clarendon Building designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor and built in 1712-13 for the Oxford University Press.
The bridge spans New College Lane which leads to New College and you can see the Bell Tower of the college built in 1400.