Black's Bridge

Black's Bridge is a Grade II listed road bridge on Main Road in Gidea Park, in the London Borough of Havering. It dates from the late 18th century and sits at the edge of Raphael Park, one of the oldest green spaces in the area. It is a short stop rather than a destination in itself, but it pairs well with a walk through the park.

What is Black's Bridge?

The bridge is built of red brick, laid in a mixture of English and header bond. Historic England lists it at Grade II (list entry 1300407, first listed in 1979). Havering Council attributes the design to the architect James Wyatt. It was built when the grounds of Gidea Hall were landscaped and enlarged by Richard Benyon around 1776, possibly to designs by Richard Wood. Its job was practical: to carry the road across the widened watercourse.

Why is there a lake next to it?

Black's Brook runs along the western boundary of Raphael Park. Where the park meets Main Road, the brook was dammed to form a lake, known as Black's Canal. As the water crossed the Gidea Hall estate it was widened into a large serpentine lake, a typical feature of 18th-century landscape gardening. The bridge, the brook and the lake are all part of the same historic design, and Havering describes the lake and brook as original 18th-century features of the park.

How does it connect to Raphael Park?

Sir Herbert Raphael bought the Gidea Hall estate in 1897. He later gave land, about 15 acres, together with the lake, to Romford Urban District Council. The park opened on 2 June 1904 and was named after him. It is often described as Havering's first public park. The council says the park still keeps many historic features, including Black's Bridge, Black's Lake, Black's Brook, the bandstand and the park lodge. The park was restored in 2013.

What can I see and do nearby?

• Look at the brickwork of the bridge from the roadside and from the park.
• Walk around the lake and follow the line of Black's Brook along the western edge.
• See the bandstand and the park lodge, both original parts of the Edwardian park.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Black's Bridge? On Main Road in Gidea Park, Romford, in the London Borough of Havering (postcode area RM2).

Is Black's Bridge protected? Yes. It is Grade II listed.

Who designed it? Havering Council credits James Wyatt. The bridge belongs to the late 18th-century landscaping of the Gidea Hall grounds.

Is there an entry fee? The bridge is on a public road and Raphael Park is a public park run by the council, so you can see both for free.

What is the lake called? It is known as Black's Lake, and historically as Black's Canal.