{"id":68,"date":"2023-09-16T08:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-16T08:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oxfordmagazine.co.uk\/?p=68"},"modified":"2023-09-07T10:05:57","modified_gmt":"2023-09-07T10:05:57","slug":"bridge-of-sighs-a-passage-through-time-and-tradition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oxfordmagazine.co.uk\/bridge-of-sighs-a-passage-through-time-and-tradition\/","title":{"rendered":"Bridge of Sighs: A Passage Through Time and Tradition"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Oxford by Aerial - Bridge of Sighs | TDR\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-q6GVge563M?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the heart of Oxford, a city renowned for its rich history and architectural marvels stands a picturesque bridge that has captured the imagination of generations. The Bridge of Sighs, an iconic structure that spans the River Cherwell, is not only a symbol of Oxford&#8217;s grandeur but also a testament to the enduring traditions of the University of Oxford. In this article, we&#8217;ll take a journey across the Bridge of Sighs, exploring its history, architecture, and its place in the tapestry of Oxford&#8217;s heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A Venetian Connection<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Bridge of Sighs in Oxford is not to be confused with its famous namesake in Venice, Italy. While both bridges share a similar architectural style, they have distinct histories and purposes. The Oxford Bridge of Sighs was constructed in the early 20th century, inspired by the Venetian design but adapted to Oxford&#8217;s academic setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Historical Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Bridge of Sighs connects two parts of Hertford College, spanning New College Lane. This pedestrian bridge is not just a picturesque crossing; it serves a practical purpose. It allows students to move between the Old and New Quadrangles of Hertford College without stepping out onto the street. This architectural innovation was particularly useful during Oxford&#8217;s frequent rain showers, allowing students to traverse the college&#8217;s premises sheltered from the elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Architectural Beauty<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Bridge of Sighs is characterised by its Neo-Gothic architecture, featuring ornate stone carvings, pointed arches, and decorative motifs. The bridge&#8217;s design pays homage to Oxford&#8217;s rich architectural heritage, mirroring the Gothic Revival style that dominates the university&#8217;s buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-pinterest wp-block-embed-pinterest\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Bridge of Sighs, Hertford Bridge, Hertford College, New College Lane, University of Oxford, England, UK, Great Britain, Wall Art, Decor - Etsy Canada\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/ext\/embed.html?id=908953137476087966&#038;src=oembed\" height=\"663\" width=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" ><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Legends and Traditions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As with many historic structures, the Bridge of Sighs has its share of legends and traditions. One such tradition, popular among students, is that it&#8217;s considered unlucky to walk across the bridge before taking your final exams. According to the superstition, crossing the bridge prematurely will bring bad luck and result in poor academic performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Photographic Icon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Bridge of Sighs has become an iconic subject for photographers, tourists, and even newlyweds looking for a picturesque backdrop. Its reflection in the tranquil waters of the River Cherwell creates a timeless and enchanting image that captures the essence of Oxford&#8217;s beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-pinterest wp-block-embed-pinterest\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Bridge of Sighs Oxford - How to Visit the Hertford Bridge (2024)!\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/ext\/embed.html?id=629518854187421668&#038;src=oembed\" height=\"663\" width=\"450\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" ><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Bridge of Sighs, Oxford, is more than just an architectural wonder; it&#8217;s a symbol of the university&#8217;s enduring traditions and the timeless beauty of its surroundings. As students and visitors pass through its arches, they become part of a living history that bridges the gap between the past and the present. It is a testament to the ingenuity of Oxford&#8217;s architects and the spirit of exploration that defines the city itself. Whether you cross it for luck, for a photograph, or simply to savour its architectural splendour, the Bridge of Sighs stands as an integral part of Oxford&#8217;s heritage and a bridge to the future of academic excellence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the heart of Oxford, a city renowned for its rich history and architectural marvels stands a picturesque bridge that has captured the imagination of generations. The Bridge of Sighs, an iconic structure that spans the River Cherwell, is not only a symbol of Oxford&#8217;s grandeur but also a testament to the enduring traditions of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":72,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,18],"tags":[55,52,54,53,21,22,19,20,34,35],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/oxfordmagazine.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/oxfordmagazine.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/oxfordmagazine.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordmagazine.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordmagazine.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=68"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordmagazine.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":73,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordmagazine.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68\/revisions\/73"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordmagazine.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/72"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/oxfordmagazine.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordmagazine.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=68"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/oxfordmagazine.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=68"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}