In the heart of Oxford, a city steeped in centuries of scholarly tradition, literary brilliance, and architectural majesty, lies one of its most iconic landmarks: the Bridge of Sighs. Officially known as Hertford Bridge, this covered skyway connects two parts of Hertford College over New College Lane, and though modest in size, it holds a grand place in the city’s visual and cultural identity.
Tourists flock to it daily, snapping photos beneath its elegant arch, while students pass beneath it in quiet reflection or cheerful conversation. Its curious nickname—“Bridge of Sighs”—evokes romantic melancholy, yet the structure itself is vibrant, enduring, and intrinsically linked to Oxford’s timeless charm.
This article explores the Bridge of Sighs in detail: its origins, architectural inspiration, function, myths, cultural significance, and lasting legacy within one of the world’s most famous university cities.
Origins and Construction
The Bridge of Sighs was completed in 1914, a relatively recent addition in the context of Oxford’s ancient heritage. It was designed by Sir Thomas Graham Jackson, a renowned architect also responsible for other Oxford landmarks, including parts of Keble College and the Examination Schools.
The bridge was commissioned by Hertford College, which was in the process of expanding and needed to physically unite two buildings—its Old Quadrangle on the south side of New College Lane and its newer buildings to the north. Instead of opting for a purely functional or inconspicuous structure, the college chose to create something iconic and ornamental, blending functionality with style.
The bridge has since become one of Oxford’s most photographed and instantly recognizable sights.
The Nickname: “Bridge of Sighs”
The nickname “Bridge of Sighs” is a misleading romanticism. It references the famous Ponte dei Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs) in Venice, Italy, which was built in the 17th century to connect the Doge’s Palace with the prison cells across the Rio di Palazzo. Legend has it that prisoners would sigh at their final view of Venice before imprisonment—hence the name.
Oxford’s bridge bears only a superficial resemblance to its Venetian counterpart and shares none of its grim history. The Oxford bridge was never associated with imprisonment or sorrow. Still, the name stuck, probably due to its similar silhouette and the poetic air of Oxford itself. Ironically, the “sighs” in Oxford might be more accurately attributed to students preparing for exams.
Architectural Style and Features
Architecturally, the bridge is an example of Edwardian Baroque, with neo-Renaissance detailing. It’s constructed of stone and stucco, designed to harmonize with the older college buildings it connects.
Though often believed to be a replica of the Venetian bridge, the design is closer in spirit to the Rialto Bridge or even the Bridge of the Constitution, with its more robust, ornate style. The Oxford version features a single arch, large windows, curved gables, and ornamental pediments, all of which reflect the Gothic Revival and classical influences popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Inside the bridge, a simple walkway connects Hertford College’s north and south buildings, allowing students and fellows to cross without having to descend to the street below. The interior is functional rather than decorative, and not generally open to the public.
Symbol of Hertford College
The Bridge of Sighs is now synonymous with Hertford College, despite the college itself being one of Oxford’s smaller institutions. Hertford has a rich, albeit turbulent, history dating back to the 13th century. It was re-founded multiple times and finally became a permanent fixture in the 19th century.
The bridge helped solidify Hertford’s identity and brought it a kind of global fame that few colleges enjoy. As such, the bridge is not just a means of transit—it is a badge of pride, a gateway to tradition, and a visual emblem of academic unity.
Students at Hertford often describe the bridge as a symbol of connection—not only between buildings but between generations of scholars, between the university and the city, and between the historic and the contemporary.
Myths and Legends
As with many Oxford landmarks, the Bridge of Sighs is surrounded by urban myths and student folklore.
One persistent rumour suggests that the bridge was originally intended to be a perfect replica of the Venetian Bridge of Sighs, but due to structural or budgetary constraints, the plans were altered. In truth, the architect never claimed to be replicating the Venetian bridge—it was merely an inspired pastiche.
Another widely shared myth is that Oxford students are required to walk under the bridge on their way to final exams, and that’s why it has become “a place of sighs.” While this isn’t a formal rule, the bridge is indeed close to several central examination halls, and many students do pass underneath it en route to testing—making the metaphor feel oddly appropriate.
Perhaps the most lighthearted (but incorrect) myth is that the bridge was closed off at one time because it was causing students to gain weight by eliminating the need to walk up and down stairs. There is no factual basis for this tale, but it’s a classic example of Oxford humour.
Cultural Importance and Media Appearances
The bridge’s distinctive profile has made it a favourite in films, TV shows, travel guides, and postcards. It has appeared in:
- Inspector Morse and its spin-offs Lewis and Endeavour, which use Oxford’s dramatic settings as a backdrop for crime-solving.
- His Dark Materials, the BBC adaptation of Philip Pullman’s novels, which draws heavily on Oxford’s gothic and mysterious architecture.
- Numerous documentaries and academic features that highlight the university’s traditions and landmarks.
Beyond media, the Bridge of Sighs serves as a ceremonial and symbolic space. It is often used for college events, wedding photos of alumni, and graduation day portraits, becoming a central part of many personal Oxford stories.
Daily Life and Modern Use
Today, the Bridge of Sighs continues to serve its original purpose—connecting Hertford’s buildings—but it also stands as a landmark for the millions who visit Oxford every year. Tourists line New College Lane for the perfect photo, often just before or after visiting Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library, or Sheldonian Theatre, all of which lie within a stone’s throw.
The surrounding area also includes New College, one of Oxford’s oldest and most beautiful colleges, and the atmospheric Turf Tavern, accessed by a nearby alleyway.
Despite its popularity, the bridge maintains a kind of quiet dignity, silently watching over the street below as it has done for over a century.
Conclusion: A Bridge Between Worlds
Though small and relatively young by Oxford standards, the Bridge of Sighs has become a monumental icon. It exemplifies how thoughtful design, location, and symbolism can elevate even the most practical structures into something truly memorable.
It is a bridge between buildings, yes—but also between the past and present, between the city and its university, and between tradition and reinvention. In many ways, it reflects the Oxford spirit itself: scholarly, imaginative, and enduringly beautiful.
Whether you’re a visitor pausing for a photograph, a student rushing to class, or a dreamer gazing upward in wonder, the Bridge of Sighs has something to offer. It reminds us that even the most fleeting moments—like walking across a bridge—can be steeped in meaning, if only we stop to notice.
