BE it over babbling brook or historical harbour, Dorset’s bridges are rich in history.

Author Michael Russell Wood, of Uploders, near Bridport, has produced a book on the story of the county’s bridges.

Dorset’s Legacy in Bridges explores bridges ranging from the Town Bridge over Weymouth Harbour to the oldest bridge in Dorset, White Mill Bridge at Sturminster Marshall – first recorded as a crossing of the River Stour in 1174.

The book is full of memories about these charismatic crossings. Among the earliest surviving bridges in the county are packhorse bridges, narrow bridges just wide enough for the width of a horse, enabling the crossing of a ford.

Michael said Dorset is lucky to have so many historic, well maintained bridges.

“One of the reasons why our bridges in Dorset are in such good order is because as well as, in many cases, being ‘scheduled’, they are an indispensable part of our transport network.

“The result being that modern activity is helping, as a side effect, to maintain our ancient heritage.”

At Holwell, between Cerne Abbas and Sherborne, the book explores the magnificent packhorse bridge over the Caundle Brook, constructed of a simple stone slab. It is described as ‘a haven of peace with just the sound of the stream and birdsong for company’.

The Peacock Bridge in Frampton is also included, with its balustrade curves and its rounded pedestals, inviting the traveller to pass over it.

This mid-18th century design was attributed to distinguished architect Sir Christopher Wren, best known for his design of St Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Michael said the bridge was commissioned by the owner of Frampton Court, John Browne, to enhance a stylish approach to the grand house across the River Frome.

“This important house, completed in 1704, befitted a family whose progenitor, Rear Admiral Sir John Browne, was knighted in 1603 for his bravery and leadership against the Spanish Armada.”

Tales of more recent bridge history appear in the book, with the story of the Duke of York, later to become King George VI opening the Town Bridge in Weymouth.

The previous bridge, dating from 1824, was replaced by this lifting bridge technically known as a Rolling Bascule Bridge, bascule being the French word for seesaw or balance – the principle upon which this bridge works. Also featured in the book is the railway bridge in Loders.

It towers above the 18th century road bridge over the River Asker.

This railway bridge carried the branch line, opened in 1857, from Maiden Newton via Toller and Powerstock to Bridport, extending to West Bay in 1884.

In 1862 Loders petitioned the Great Western Railway for a station in the village, but it was never built.

The line continued until May 5, 1975.

Michael, who moved to Dorset after serving in the army, read agriculture at Cambridge University.

He says he has a deep and wide knowledge of the county that has helped him to discover many of the stories behind his favourite bridges.

  • Dorset’s Legacy in Bridges costs £12 and is available in local bookshops or by mail order, post free, from the author at dorset-legacy.co.uk