Thoresby Bridge, Thoresby Park.

Above: Pierrepont Bridge, designed by Wilkins, an architect from Cambridge, stands near to William Castle (a.k.a. Budby Castle) and bridges the western tip of Thoresby Lake where the River Meden leaves Budby. In its prime one could stand here and see Kingston Island, with Thoresby Hall beyond, and even the spire of Perlethorpe Church in the distance. Not designed for mechanised traffic, but stout enough to serve as a route between the boat crews and later Clerkes of Work who resided at the Castle, today its ironwork railings and other features are long since gone. (See also sidebar pictures).

Above: Stone Bridge, now commonly referred to as Green Bridge due to the grass which covers its path, has retained much of its beauty simply because it became impractical to use as a regular route to and from Thoresby Hall once the second Hall had been demolished, the third Hall built further uphill to the north, and heavy mechanised traffic took over. Stone Bridge was originally sited further down stream, it's elegant design clearly intended for lightweight carriages, coaches and pedestrians visiting the original Thoresby Hall but presenting what was considered an unflattering end-on view of the building. So it was Charles (Meadows) Pierrepont, 1st Earl Manvers, in consultation with landscape gardener Humphrey Repton, who moved the bridge to its present location. The actual bridge was relocated, and not simply rebuilt. Today (2013) is is possible for visitors to stroll over the bridge on a walk towards Perlethorpe. (See also Thoresby Permitted Walks video for other routes).

Above: Referred to on this c.1913 postcard as Thoresby Bridge, this is in fact named 7 Ton Bridge on certain maps. It linked the present Thoresby Hall with Perlethorpe Village, and the main roads beyond. As the name implies, this bridge was designed not for horse carriages but for the heavy mechanized vehicles of the 20th century, including those used by the military in two World Wars when soldiers were billeted on the Estate. (See this link). 7 Ton Bridge did however close down  during the 1980's as ownership of the Hall changed, and the maintenance of certain properties on the Estate changed with it. Today it only allows access to the estate's own official vehicles.

Above: 7 Ton Bridge (2007) is once again open to access for pedestrains only, as one can park the car at Thoresby Gallery and walk through to the village of Perlethorpe, a popular activity for those staying at Thoresby Hotel.

Above: 19th century engraving showing the Green Bridge leading to Thoresby Hall. Visitors can still use this route across the sheep fields today (2014).