Widcombe, Bath

Widcombe is a district of Bath, England, immediately south-east of the city centre, across the River Avon.HistoryWidcombe was part of the hundred of Bath Forum.In 1877 Halfpenny Bridge, a pedestrian toll bridge, across the River Avon from Bath Spa railway station to Widcombe collapsed with the loss of about 10 lives amongst a large crowd going to the Bath and West Agricultural show.ArchitectureWidcombe Manor House is a grade I listed manor house built in 1656. It is located on Church Street adjacent to St Thomas à Beckett Church.Crowe Hall is a Georgian house. It is a Grade II listed building, and the gardens are on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England. It was built around 1780 for Brigadier Crowe. It has had a succession of owners since who each adapted and renovated the building. A serious fire in 1926 destroyed a lot of the fabric of the building and further restoration was required. The house is surrounded by several hectares of sloping gardens, below Prior Park, which are terraced and include a rock garden and grotto.