White Mill Bridge, Sturminster Marshall

The oldest river crossing in Dorset? It can’t be proved for sure, but White Mill Bridge over the Stour has a better claim than most. The structure we see today is only 500 years old, but beneath it are timber pilings that were there 400 years before that. As well as historic interest, the sweep of its eight arches, the symmetry of the breakwaters between the arches and the shades of red and brown in its stonework make the bridge a delight to look at.

 In 1341, a local citizen left three shillings (15p) in his will  towards repairing it. The Victorians restored it, thankfully not messing about with it too much, and the latest major restoration was in 1964.

 Nearest postcode: BH21 4BX
OS reference: ST958006
What3words: fines.boast.notions