SDO15583 - Sturminster Newton: Town Bridge. Archaeological Survey

During the summer of 2011 repairs were carried out to the Town Bridge at Sturminster Newton by Dorset County Council. As a condition of scheduled monument consent, an archaeological watching brief was requested by English Heritage. This originally concentrated on the examination of the stonework of the superstructure, however, during the course of the work usually submerged timbers were exposed. These related to the construction of probably early 19th century inverted arches beneath the northern five arches of the bridge. The report describes the work undertaken, discusses the features exposed during the draining process and the possible traces of a pre 16th century structure beneath the present superstructure.