When Erin Wakes

The Percy French Bridge

For the first time in over 400 years, a bridge will be built across the River Suck at Bridgetown Road, Fuerty, linking it to Castlecoote House Estate, creating a new entrance to the magnificent historic property of Castlecoote House home of The Percy French Summer School.

The design approach is taken from a 19th century-type single span bridge, appropriate both for its simplicity of design and clearance of the river and river bank thus minimising construction impact. The proposed new bridge has handrails and balustrading which are constructed in lightweight steel and this element of design gives a lightness and transparency to the bridge structure when viewed from the river banks. The transparent nature provides an architectural quality similar to decorative bridges used in historic demesnes in the 18th and 19th century, e.g. Carton House, Co. Kildare.

The proposal constitutes the reinstatement of an obsolete entrance to the estate and will improve both the access to the house and visitor experience of it, particularly with the increased flow of traffic brought about by The Percy French Summer School.

The remnants of the medieval bridge, now in ruinous condition, are part of the wonderful landscaped gardens running down to the river including three medieval lookout towers, ice house and moat.

The bridge is to be named The Percy French Bridge, in celebration and in honour of the poet’s life and if patrons wish to support the project it begins as little as €50 to buy a block. For further information contact info@percyfrench.ie