|

|
Assuming,
however, that visitors have time at their disposal, and desire to visit
the Trent before entering "the town," they should take a ten minutes'
walk by the London-road route—the road between the two stations—which
leads direct to the Trent Bridge. The Corporation Sanitary Depot and the
Cattle Market (opened Sep. 28th, 1886) occupy a large tract of
land on the left-hand side of London-road, known as "The East-croft."
They are divided from the roadway by the canal, and approached by three
bridges. The Trent Bridge, which crosses the river (and is, generally
speaking, the south boundary of the borough of Nottingham), is an elegant
and substantial iron structure of three graceful spans, and was opened
in 1871. It occupies a position a few yards to the east of the fine old
many-arched stone bridge, which crossed the river here for several centuries.
Part of the old bridge has been preserved to us, and is crossed by the
pathway (against the Police Lodge) which leads to the south river walk.
The history of the bridge has been written by the writer of this Guide,
and by other local antiquaries. On the left-hand, approached by steps,
are tastefully laid-out grounds, and a river-wall promenade. From the
steam packet station here, pleasant trips to and from Colwick Park
are made during suitable weather, at small cost. Before crossing the
bridge, visitors should view the prospect afforded by water, landscape,
and town. Opposite the river-wall promenade is Radford's Boating House.
A little down the river the railway crosses the Trent by a bridge, of
which an illustration is given. At the country (West Bridgford)
end of the bridge is the far-famed Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, upon
which many a struggle for victory has taken place with bat and football.
The handsome pavilion is to be seen from the Nottingham side of the river.
The country inn here has been recently demolished, and a more pretentious
and convenient building has been erected in its place.
On the upper reaches of the river are the Baths, maintained at the cost
of the ratepayers, and available without charge. Beyond them is the Wilford
Bridge, a substantial iron structure, with brick and stone approaches,
which was thrown open to the public, on payment of toll, June 16, 1870;
and Wilford Church, a favourite spot of Henry Kirke White, who
expressed a wish to be interred here—
"Here would I wish to sleep. This is the spot
Which I have long marked out to lay my bones in;
Tired out and wearied with the riotous world,
Beneath this yew I would be sepulchred."
But his wish was not complied with, as that promising poet was buried
at St. John's, Cambridge. Visitors will not, however, have time to visit
Wilford—a pretty rural village—if the centre of the old town is to be
traversed. Visitors who have time to do so should not miss the opportunity
of making a half-day holiday at Wilford, with the cottage ever to be associated
with Kirke White; and the far-famed Clifton Grove, with its legend
of "The Fair Maid of Clifton," as told by Kirke White. The district between
the stations and the river retains its name of "The Meadows," and is still
subject to floods.
[<<Previous] [Next>>]
|