SOME DORSET BRIDGES. 255 



central buttress has two stone slabs fixed to the exterior, the date 

 1636 being on one and 1844 on the other. These dates seem to 

 indicate the probable time of erection, and the time when 

 considerable renovations were made. 



There are other bridges on the Rivers Frome and Stour, but 

 the afore-mentioned are perhaps the best worth illustrating. 



The rivers in West Dorset are quite small, and the bridges 

 generally are not worth much attention ; but the two small ones 

 at Charmouth may be mentioned. The larger is single arched 

 and simple, with plain cornice and parapet, but with panelled 

 and moulded piers at each end. The other bridge (which is 

 illustrated) is very similar to the former, and is nearly overgrown 

 with ivy and shrubs. 



In South Dorset the small foot-bridge at Preston, near Wey- 

 mouth, deserves mention. It is usually described as " Roman," 

 but it is more likely of mediaeval date. 



