The best road cycling routes around Mappowder

If Winterborne Kingston’s church is the cozy family home, St Nicholas ChurchClick to open side panel for more information in Winterborne Clenston is the "high-fashion" estate church that’s ready for its close-up. This Grade II* listed beauty was rebuilt in 1840 by architect Lewis Vulliamy. It’s famously stylish, featuring striking bands of flint and Portland stone that make it look like it’s wearing a very expensive designer sweater. Silver Screen Famous: It’s so picturesque that it was used for the final wedding scene in the 1996 film adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma starring Gwyneth Paltrow. The "Pencil" Spire: Unlike its neighbors' sturdy square towers, this one sports a slender, elegant spire that pierces the Dorset sky with real Victorian confidence. Estate Chic: It sits slightly isolated on a hill above the Winterborne stream, serving as the "typical estate church" for the nearby Whatcombe House and the magnificent Clenston Manor. Interior Charm: Inside, it’s a masterclass in the "Perpendicular" style—lots of vertical lines, light-filled windows, and an atmosphere that says, "I am small but perfectly formed."

The bridge you are referring to is officially known as Town Bridge (or Sturminster Newton Bridge), though it is often referred to as a "County Bridge" due to its historical significance and maintenance. Here are the key details about this historic structure in Sturminster Newton, Dorset: Historical Significance and Features Age: It is a remarkably old bridge, dating from the late 15th or early 16th century (circa 1500). It replaced a historic fording point on the River Stour. Structure: It is a multi-span stone arch bridge with six two-centred arches spanning the River Stour. Listing Status: It is a Grade I Listed Building (List Entry Number: 1110531) by Historic England, which means it is of exceptional interest. Widening: The bridge was widened from 12ft to 18ft in the 17th century. Later, in 1820, one of the central cutwaters (the pointed projections on the piers) was repaired. Pedestrian Refuges: The bridge features larger, central cutwaters that are corbelled out to form pedestrian refuges (small alcoves) to either side of the roadway. The "Transportation for Life" Plaque One of the most famous and curious features of the bridge is an iron plaque affixed within one of the downstream pedestrian refuges. The inscription on this plaque reads: "ANY PERSON WILFULLY INJURING ANY PART OF THIS COUNTY BRIDGE WILL BE GUILTY OF FELONY AND UPON CONVICTION LIABLE TO BE TRANSPORTED FOR LIFE." This plaque is a reminder of the harsh laws of the 19th century, though it is reported that no one was ever transported for damaging this specific bridge. Literary Connection The bridge holds a connection to English literature. It is the one featured in the poem "On Sturminster Bridge" by Thomas Hardy, who lived in the town from 1876 to 1878 while writing his novel The Return of the Native.

Here are the key details about this historic structure in Sturminster Newton, Dorset: Historical Significance and Features Age: It is a remarkably old bridge, dating from the late 15th or early 16th century (circa 1500). It replaced a historic fording point on the River Stour. Structure: It is a multi-span stone arch bridge with six two-centred arches spanning the River Stour. Listing Status: It is a Grade I Listed Building (List Entry Number: 1110531) by Historic England, which means it is of exceptional interest. Widening: The bridge was widened from 12ft to 18ft in the 17th century. Later, in 1820, one of the central cutwaters (the pointed projections on the piers) was repaired. Pedestrian Refuges: The bridge features larger, central cutwaters that are corbelled out to form pedestrian refuges (small alcoves) to either side of the roadway.

If you are hiking in this area definitely pop in for a coffee and food it’s amazing 😋

manor house with 17th century origins, extensively rebuilt after a fire in 1863 and remodelled in 1911. Inspiration for Weatherbury Farm in Thomas Hardy's novel, Far from the Madding Crowd. Grade I listed

Welcome coffee and cake stop😋. Next to the sports field

Curiosity in a beautiful valley

Good place to stop and rest