Of medieval origin but widened in the 1800s, this stone bridge spans the River Stour at Spetisbury and is a lovely place to pause (in one of the cut-waters) and admire the river as it ambles south.

The upstream side of the bridge is the older, perhaps 15th century, but significantly harder to get a good view of due to private land preventing access. Nonetheless, the bridge is magnificent however you look at it. It's named 'Crawford' as it takes the road to Tarrant Crawford, a little to the north.

Mike The Mooching Minister.

November 6, 2025

Historic Significance: It is a Grade I Listed Building (the highest level of protection), noted for its special architectural and historic interest.
Age: The first record of the bridge dates back to 1334, suggesting its medieval origins, with parts of the current structure likely dating to the 15th century.
Construction: It is built of coursed rubble and ashlar stone and features nine semi-circular arches.
Widening: The bridge was widened in 1819. The upstream side is the original, medieval part and features triangular cut-waters which extend up to form pedestrian refuges. The downstream side is the later, plainer widening.
Inscriptions: There is a reset stone on the east side of the bridge inscribed with the year 1719.
Name Origin: The bridge is named Crawford Bridge because it carries the road from Spetisbury to Tarrant Crawford. The nearby area of Spetisbury was historically one of three manors, including Great Crawford.

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Elevation 30 m

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Location: Spetisbury, North Dorset, Dorset, South West England, England, United Kingdom

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