I am now taking you on a little detour just outside Shugborough across the Essex Bridge:

The Essex Bridge links Shugborough to the village of Great Hayward at the point where the rivers Trent and Sow join.

It is believed to be the longest packhorse bridge ever constructed and was built in the late 16th century. The financing of the project was funded by the Earls of Essex who used the bridge to access the hunting forest of Canks Wood – now Cannock Chase – from their home at Chartley Castle a short distance away. Originally it boasted 42 arches but it is believed the bridge was shortened in size in the early 19th century when a new channel for the River Sow was dug. Today it spans over 100 yards and has 14 arches.*

*From the Shugborough guide book.