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Bridge of Sighs (Hertford Bridge)
Oxford's Bridge of Sighs, officially Hertford Bridge, is a covered footbridge that crosses New College Lane and joins two parts of Hertford College: the Old Quadrangle to the south and the New Quadrangle to the north. It was designed by the architect Thomas Graham Jackson and completed in 1914. Its name recalls the one in Venice, although it bears more resemblance to that city's Rialto Bridge. Its construction was opposed by neighbouring New College. It is listed as a Grade II monument. It can only be seen from the street, because crossing it is reserved for members of the college. The legend that it was closed to force students to climb stairs is false. It is on narrow New College Lane, in the historic centre.
Add it to your trip on Wanloria →Things to do at Bridge of Sighs (Hertford Bridge): 2 missions
- Look at the bridge from New College LaneStand under the bridge in New College Lane and look up at the covered walkway that joins the two quadrangles of Hertford College.
- Compare it with the Rialto in VeniceLook at its arch and its windows and decide whether it looks more like the Bridge of Sighs in Venice or the Rialto.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Bridge of Sighs (Hertford Bridge)?
Visiting Bridge of Sighs (Hertford Bridge) is free.
How much time do you need for Bridge of Sighs (Hertford Bridge)?
Allow about 15 min for the visit.
What is there to do at Bridge of Sighs (Hertford Bridge)?
Look at the bridge from New College Lane and Compare it with the Rialto in Venice.
What is there to see near Bridge of Sighs (Hertford Bridge)?
Bodleian Library (80 m), Sheldonian Theatre (88 m) and Radcliffe Camera (118 m).