Hampstead Heath

The Viaduct Bridge

The viaduct was built in the mid C19 (work started 1844 and finished 1847)by Sir Thomas Maryon Wilson, then Lord of the Manor of Hampstead, who planned to build houses on the Heath. Fortunately his plans were thwarted by objectors and, although this was once the site of a large brickfield, it is now a quiet and secluded spot for ducks and coots.
The water is supplied by one of the springs that form the Fleet River before it disappears underground.

(Picture below is c1905)

The Sham Bridge (BELOW)

Lord Mansfield (formerly William Murray) commissioned Robert Adam to remodel Kenwood House and was also responsible for landscaping the pleasure grounds in the second half of the 18th century.
The formal gardens were replaced by a sloping lawn and three of the ponds were joined together to form Wood Pond.
The Thousand Pound Pond was formed, with a Sham Bridge (about 1767-1768, rebuilt 1791, Listed Grade II*) at the east end.
It consists of a timber three-span facade with a balustrade. When viewed from the terrace or lawn in front of the house, it gives the illusion that the water continues beyond it.