Gillingham bridge dorset by john constable biography

Without bridges, the landscape can become a puzzle of islands, sewn together by deep channels of water, only accessible by getting wet or by boat.

Today they are crossed without notice, their relevance heightened on the rare occasions they are closed for repairs, requiring substantial diversions.

Gillingham bridge dorset by john constable biography

Beginning as fords, raised river beds that required constant reconstruction, they grew into small timber structures, then into mini castles. Construction and maintenance was costly meaning they were built where they were most needed, settlement following soon after.

The pattern of movement changed greatly with the introduction of turnpikes in the 18^th century resulting in the old routes being replaced with more efficient roads. Today many ancient bridges still exist, some still used by traffic but many scattered, deep in the rural countryside.

Railways brought new engineering skills in the form of viaducts, stepping over valleys and connecting areas that were otherwise isolated.