Listed Building record MDO11613 - Canford Bridge, Park Lane, Wimborne Minster

Canford Bridge is evidently on the site of the bridge called 'Aleyn Bridge' by Leland, who describes it as having "12 fair Arches". This agrees with the number given by Hutchins at the end of the 18th century. The bridge now has three arches with a total span of 44 yards. <1>

The present bridge is modern; there is no visible evidence of any earlier structure which was presumably destroyed at the re-building. <3>

Built about 1813, of stone. Three arches with pointed cutwaters and coped parapets. To the south is a viaduct of six arches of similar appearance. <4>

The modification and character of the bridge do not constitute nationally imprtant remains, and it is recommended that the bridge is most appropriately managed under Grade II Listing designation. <5>

<1> Jervoise, E, 1930, The Ancient Bridges of the South of England, 84 (Monograph). SWX3998.

<2> Ordnance Survey, Ordnance Survey Map 6in, 1934/38 (Map). SWX1540.

(SZ 01659922) Canford Bridge (NAT)

<3> Quinnell, N V, Various, Field Investigators Comments NVQ, F1 NVQ 17-NOV-55 (Unpublished document). SDO11903.

<4> Royal Commission on Historical Monuments (England), 1970, An Inventory of Historical Monuments in the County of Dorset, Volume II (South East) Part 2, 202 (Monograph). SDO149.

‘(13) CANFORD BRIDGE and VIADUCT (016992) were built in the early 19th century.
The Bridge (Plate 34), over the Stour, of Portland stone ashlar, has three high segmental arches, pointed cutwaters, and parapets which terminate against square piers. In the N. jamb of the central archway is a panel inscribed 'This BRIDGE finished, in the year 1813, by JOHN DYSON Engineer, JESSE BUSHROD, Mason'. The Viaduct, of six arches, immediately S. of the bridge, is generally similar to it in appearance but with arches and parapet of brickwork and cutwaters, abutments and spandrels of carstone.’

<5> English Heritage, English Heritage Alternative Action Report, MPPA, 06-Nov-2001 (Scheduling record). SDO18279.

<6> National Record of the Historic Environment, 457934 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Sep 15 2023 10:45AM