'Thomas Hardy novel' bridge in Dorset reopens after collapse

An Elizabethan bridge that features in Thomas Hardy's novel Tess of the D'Urbervilles has reopened after partially collapsing.

The Grade II* listed Wool Bridge, which crosses the River Frome in Dorset, was damaged in January.

The bridge, which has been closed to traffic for many years, has reopened to pedestrians and cyclists.

Reinforced concrete was used to repair its retaining wall to stop future erosion, the county council said.

A dry-dam constructed during repair work has been removed as the stonework is now above the waterline of the river, as has a temporary scaffold bridge, it added.

A spokesman said: "This ensures that all six arches of the bridge are free for the river to flow through as this time of year there is a greater risk of increased water flow and potential flooding."

Work will continue until the end of November to put back the original stonework using lime mortar to "retain the character" of the bridge, Dorset County Council said.

The collapse did not affect the arches of the bridge.

A bridge is first recorded to have crossed the river at the same point in 1343, although Historic England said the current structure was built in the 16th Century.

It features in Tess of the D'Urbervilles due to its location next to Woolbridge Manor, the home of the D'Urberville family.